Six people were arrested during the discovery of synthetic marijuana

ALEXANDRIA, LA (KALB) – The Rapides County Sheriff’s Office announced Oct. 31 that a two-month investigation into an alleged synthetic marijuana operation in Alexandria has led to the arrest of six people.

Authorities received Crime Stoppers tips and several complaints from the community about the sale of synthetic marijuana in Alexandria and began an investigation.

They were able to identify a “safe house” where synthetic marijuana was stored, a number of places in Alexandria where the drug was sold, and several people involved in the operation.

RPSO said they were able to obtain three warrants, two of which were executed on Oct. 10 in the 500 block of Ham Street and the 2400 block of England Drive.

On Gam Street, authorities seized about 49 pounds. synthetic marijuana. Authorities found packaging and distribution items on England Drive.

The third search warrant was executed on October 15 at the 500 block of 12th Street. Authorities found synthetic marijuana and methamphetamine, among other illegal drugs, and a large amount of U.S. currency.

As a result of the investigation, he was detained on several charges:

Jennifer Roberson, 52, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Jennifer Renee Roberson52, Oleksandria
- In jail on $300,600 bail
Accusation:
- Distribution of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana)
- Criminal conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs
- Possession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana > 2.5 lbs) with intent to distribute
- Obstruction of justice
- Storage of drug paraphernalia
- Driving under suspension/revocation

Sameter Hampton, 33, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Sametre Renea Hampton33, Oleksandria
- In jail on $300,500 bond
Accusation:
- Distribution of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana)
- Criminal conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs
- Possession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana > 2.5 lbs) with intent to distribute
- Obstruction of justice
- Storage of drug paraphernalia

LaSheila Renee Benjamin, 41, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Lasheila Renee Benjamin41, Oleksandria
- In jail on $175,500 bond
Accusation:
- Possession of CDS I 1st Offense
- Criminal conspiracy
- Possession of CDS I (Synthetic Marijuana > 2.5 lbs)
- Distribution of CDS I <2.5 lbs (Synthetic Marijuana)

Mortez Rodrick Benjamin, 26, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Mortez Rodrick Benjamin26, Oleksandria
- In jail on $525,000 bail
Accusation:
- Distribution of CDS I <2.5 lbs (Synthetic Marijuana)
- Distribution CDS I <2.5 lbs
- Distribution of CDS II > 28 grams
- Distribution of CDS II < 28 grams
- Distribution of CDS I <2.5 lbs (Synthetic Marijuana)
- Distribution of CDS III
- Distribution of hallucinogenic plants (mushrooms)
- 2 counts of criminal conspiracy
- Operations related to the proceeds obtained from illegal drug trafficking
- Storage of drug paraphernalia
- Penetration of contraband into the penitentiary

Mortez Benjamin, 26, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Daythreon Delshon Benjamin39, Alexandria
- Released Oct. 17 on $15,175 bond
Accusation:
- Distribution of CDS I < 28 grams
- Obstruction of justice
- Operations related to the proceeds obtained from illegal drug trafficking
- Non-appearance

Shauntori Jajuan Benjamin, 20, of Alexandria(RPSO)

Shauntori Jajuan Benjamin20, Oleksandria
- Released Oct. 16 on $8,000 bond
Accusation:
- Distribution of CDS I <2.5 lbs (Synthetic Marijuana)
- Obstruction of justice
- Storage of drug paraphernalia

*ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVED*

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office provided the following:

“The Rapids Area Drug Enforcement Unit (RADE) is a multi-jurisdictional team that includes the Alexandria Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boise Police Department, Cheneyville Police Department, Forest Hill Police Department, Glenmore Police Department, County Sheriff’s Office Grant, LeCompte Police. McNary Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides County Sheriff’s Office, Woodworth Police Department, Grant County District Attorney’s Office and Rapides County District Attorney’s Office.

The RADE unit continues to pursue individuals suspected of drug trafficking in the Central Louisiana area. If you have information or would like to report any drug activity, you can do so by sending a direct message to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADEunit/.”

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