Three Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act Resulting in Death

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that IVORY CARTER ("CARTER") age 44, DONNISHA BROWN ("BROWN") age 42, AND CHRISTOPHER LEHMANN ("LEHMANN") age 30, were charged in a recently unsealed four-count indictment on October 1, 2026.

Count One charged CARTER, BROWN, and LEHMANN with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. Count Two charged LEHMANN with distribution of a controlled substance to a pregnant individual, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 861(f), 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. Count Three charged CARTER with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Count Four charged LEHMANN with being an accessory after the fact, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3.

According to court records, beginning on a date unknown, but at least by December 27, 2025 and continuing to on or about December 28, 2025, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, CARTER, BROWN, and LEHMANN did knowingly and intentionally conspire to distribute a quantity of fentanyl to an individual, whose serious bodily injury and death resulted from the use of the substance.

If convicted of Count One, CARTER faces a term of imprisonment of life and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. If convicted of Count Three, CARTER faces a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three years of supervised release.

If convicted of Count One, BROWN and LEHMANN face a term of imprisonment of no less than twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 and at least three years of supervised release. If convicted of Count Four, LEHMANN faces a term of imprisonment of up to fifteen years.

The defendants also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.