NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALGERNON JACQUES (“JACQUES”), a/k/a “Al,” age 26, of New Orleans, pled guilty on October 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to Counts One, Two, and Three of a four-count indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

More specifically, JACQUES pled guilty to Count 1, conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, Tapentadol and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846. JACQUES also pled guilty to Count 2, possession with intent to distribute those substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). Lastly, in Count 3, JACQUES pled guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

As to the drug trafficking conspiracy charge in Count 1, JACQUES faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to the drug distribution charge in Count 2, JACQUES faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in Count 3, JACQUES faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

Sentencing in this case is set for January 28, 2027.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell, IV, of the Narcotics Unit is 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.* * *