Ruston man receives 20 year sentence for possession of methamphetamine, firearm

Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Gerald Thompson, 37, of Ruston, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 240 months (20 years) in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for illegally possessing drugs and a firearm.

The charges in this case are the result of a search warrant which was executed at Thompson’s residence in Ruston on March 12, 2020. Law enforcement agents entered the residence and found approximately 417 grams of methamphetamine, oxycodone tablets and a large amount of cash in a safe in Thompson’s bedroom. Agents also found an ounce of methamphetamine on his person and a pistol and ammunition next to his bed.

Thompson’s girlfriend and three minor children were present in the residence when agents executed the search warrant. His girlfriend admitted to law enforcement agents that Thompson was her methamphetamine supplier.

The total amount of methamphetamine that was seized and considered as relevant conduct in this case was 733 grams. Thompson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on March 10, 2021.

The DEA, ATF, Louisiana State Police and Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.