Two Heflin men have been found guilty in U.S. federal court in Shreveport of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s office, Western District of Louisiana, Jaworski Batton, 41, and Cody Gibson were convicted by a federal jury.

Batton and Gibson each face a sentence of not less than five years or more than 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both.  Sentencing for the pair has been set for July 15. 

Both men were part of a large group arrested following a lengthy, joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Louisiana State Police and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office into illegal drug trafficking in Webster Parish.

Trial testimony revealed both defendants conspired with co-defendant, Demetric Carey. During their investigation, agents were able to obtain a court order to intercept communications on Carey’s cell phone.

After obtaining information through intercepted communications on Carey’s phone between he and Batton, agents conducted surveillance of Batton at a retail store in Bossier City as he was on his way to obtain the suspected narcotics.

A Louisiana State Police trooper conducted a traffic stop of Batton’s vehicle and found marijuana and methamphetamine in a backpack inside his vehicle.

Agents were also able to intercept communications between Gibson and Carey as they discussed meeting at a location in Minden to conduct a drug transaction. A Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy conducted surveillance of that meeting between Gibson and Carey and obtained video evidence of them exchanging money for the methamphetamine.

Other intercepted communications occurring over a period of several months between the two defendants revealed Carey sold Gibson amounts of methamphetamine for distribution. 

Ten other defendants, also charged in connection with this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case, have all entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing.

Those defendants are Demetric Carey, Derrick Carey, Antario Hawk, Eugene Henderson, Damien Rasco, Dana Ray, Holly Reynolds, Corey Russell, Lloyd Smith, and Norell Washington.