NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 20, 2026, LARRY CASTON (“CASTON”), age 54, was found guilty at a jury trial for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) (Count One), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) (Count Two), and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) (Count Three), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, deputies with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) received tips from a confidential informant and an arrested subject about someone named “Drack” selling cocaine in St. Bernard Parish. Because the tips included a description of Drack’s truck, his license plate number, and his address, SBSO was able to identify “Drack” as Larry Caston. Surveillance began on CASTON and on October 1, 2024, SBSO was alerted by license plate readers that CASTON’s truck had entered St. Bernard Parish. CASTON made a stop and upon returning to his truck, CASTON left the location, and deputies followed. They observed traffic violations and conducted a traffic stop. CASTON delayed stopping and deputies observed CASTON making furtive hand movements. A search of the vehicle revealed cocaine and CASTON was arrested for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. While CASTON was incarcerated in the St. Bernard Parish Jail for that arrest, he made a jail call which raised law enforcement’s suspicions and led police to search CASTON’s home, as well as his neighbor’s home. Over two kilograms of cocaine, four firearms, and over $35,000 in U.S. currency were recovered from both locations.

For Count One, CASTON faces between five- and forty-years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release. For Count Two, CASTON faces between five years and up to life imprisonment, which term must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For Count Three, CASTON faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Dawkins, of the Violent Crime Unit, and Joshua Vanderhooft, of the Narcotics Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.* * *