Jennings Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

LAKE CHARLES - On October 19, 2026, United States District Judge James D. Cain sentenced Marty James Wilridge, 46, of Jennings, to 324 months (27 years) in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, followed by five years of supervised release. He previously pled guilty to the charge on July 24, 2026.

According to court documents, in early 2024, investigators began monitoring a drug trafficking organization operating in the Jennings area. Agents identified Wilridge as a central participant in the network. Evidence showed that Wilridge used multiple phones and personal associates to move large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana throughout the region using various stash houses. In January 2025, officers searched the residence of one of Wilridge's co-conspirators and seized more than 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 1,000 grams of cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and other drug-related items. Evidence showed that Wilridge supplied these narcotics. Wiretaps further revealed Wilridge's role in directing drug deals, collecting debts, and overseeing the organization's daily activities. Surveillance showed that Wilridge also used violence to enforce drug repayment, appearing at an associate's home and assaulting him over a debt. Agents intercepted multiple communications in which Wilridge coordinated drug sales and was in continuous contact with co-conspirators. On August 13, 2025, after tracking Wilridge's Texas and Louisiana travel, officers conducted a traffic stop on Wilridge's vehicle that uncovered more than 1,500 grams of cocaine and four cellphones. A subsequent August 16, 2025, search of Wilridge's residence recovered nearly $35,000 in cash and a handgun.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Task Force, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office, Jennings Police Department, and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Combined Anti-Crime Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Kimberly Blanchard.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacerLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.: Case Number 2:25-CR-00236-01.

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