3 NELA men sentenced to federal prison for drug and firearm offenses

MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — On July 11, 2024, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of three northeast Louisiana men for drug and firearm offenses.

According to officials, 41-year-old Tyrone L. Singleton of Ruston, La. was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methaphetamine. The conviction is the result of an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Ruston area. In June 2023, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant for his residence.

Inside the residence, agents found methamphetamine, a digital scale, and a Taurus 45 caliber revolver. The suspected narcotics were submitted to the crime lab for testing, and it was determined to be methamphetamine with a weight of at least 50 grams.

Officials also confirmed that 26-year-old Justin Stampley of West Monroe, La. was sentenced to serve 12 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. On May 24, 2023, law enforcement agents executed a controlled purchase of methamphetamine and hydrocodone from Stampley at his home in West Monroe. Agents observed Stampley handle multiple firearms during the purchase and on the next day, obtained a search warrant for his residence.

The search warrant was executed at Stampley’s residence on May 25, 2023. During the search, agents recovered approximately 61.70 grams of methamphetamine and four firearms, including a Chinese SKS rifle, a Bersa 9mm pistol, an F.I.E. .25 caliber pistol, and an NEF .32 caliber revolver. Stampley pleaded guilty on March 21, 2024, to the two counts listed above.

Lastly, authorities confirmed that 48-year-old Robert Luther Sherman of Choudrant, La. was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. On March 4, 2023, deputies with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Sherman was a passenger. Sherman was ordered to exit the vehicle and a pat-down search was conducted of his person.

Inside Sherman’s front pocket was a North American Arms .22 magnum revolver. Deputies learned that Sherman had a previous felony conviction for attempted possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. During a subsequent interview with law enforcement agents, Sherman admitted that he knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition and he pleaded guilty to the charge on March 11, 2024.