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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANTHONY MONREAL-FABELA, age 21, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, and DIOGO HERNANDEZ, age 18, a resident of Bourg, Louisiana, were charged August 4, 2022, in a sealed one-count indictment by a federal grand jury.

According to court documents, beginning on or about June 14, 2022 and continuing until on or about July 27, 2022, MONREAL-FABELE and HERNANDEZ conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The indictment was unsealed on August 23, 2022.

If convicted, MONREAL-FABELA and HERNANDEZ face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the United States Homeland Security Investigations, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and United States Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.