These indictments are a result of the October 2021 arrests of these subjects for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine).

 

Criminal conspiracy is the agreement or combination of two or more persons for the specific purpose of committing any crime when one or more of such parties does an act in furtherance of the object of the agreement or combination.

 

Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team Agents began an investigation in December 2020 after Lionel Somersall Jr was arrested during a traffic stop for possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth) while driving Thomas Dew’s Ford truck. The investigation continued into February 2021 and through the summer of 2021.

 

T.N.T. Agents discovered the communication and relationships between the 7 subjects about illegal narcotics use and sales.

 

Countless hours were spent by T.N.T. Agents and Detectives obtaining and analyzing various digital forensic data of the 7 subjects.

 

Subsequently, all 7 subjects were arrested in August and September 2021 for various felony drug and firearm charges. Over 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and several firearms were seized during the investigation and arrests of the subjects.

 

The Federal Indictments are as follows and all are in Federal custody:

Lionel George Somersoll Jr (age-46) of Zwolle

• Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Possession of Firearms by a Felon

• Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.

Kenneth Ray Smith (age-62) of Many

• Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Possession of Firearms by a Felon

• Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.

Thomas Dewayne Dew (age-44) of Many

• Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Distribution of Methamphetamine

• Possession of Firearms by a Felon.

Joseph Vern Lewing (age-40) of Many

• Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Gary Dewayne Smith (age-46) of Zwolle

• Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Christy Rene Mcpherson (age-41) of Many

• Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Possession of Firearms by a Felon.

Sharon Nichole Taylor (age-36) of Robeline

• Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

• Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

 

Sheriff Mitchell stated the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has been able to obtain 26 Federal Indictments for narcotic and firearm charges since he assumed the role as Sheriff of Sabine Parish in July 2020.

 

There are also 14 pending Federal Indictments at this time.