Morgan City men, accused of leading drug-trafficking ring, indicted in federal court

Two Morgan City men already accused of heading a major drug-trafficking ring have now been named in a federal indictment on fentanyl charges, the Morgan City Police Department said Friday.
The charges say the organization trafficked in heroin and cocaine as well as fentanyl, a potentially lethal opioid.
Dwayne Clark and Wayne Clark, both 49, were named in the March 16 indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl after a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in the area
Both men also face state charges that include distribution of heroin and distribution of crack cocaine.
Six other people have been charged in connection with the investigation.
In March 2020, in response to complaints of narcotic activity, investigators with the Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division began an investigation.
Several people were identified in a drug-trafficking organization “which highly affected our area,” the Police Department said Friday.
Dwayne Clark and Wayne Clark were identified as the heads of this organization. Several co-conspirators --Alton Kemp Jr, Christopher Woods, Lloyd Jones, Keith Clark, Denise Henderson Clark and Keisha Howard -- were identified as being involved in the organization, the Police Department said.
Throughout the investigation, investigators executed multiple search warrants and recovered large amounts of narcotics, paraphernalia and firearms. The investigation continued.
In July 2021, investigators executed additional search warrants at multiple locations between Amelia and Morgan City, where narcotics, paraphernalia, and U.S. currency were located. Multiple vehicles and U.S. currency located were seized.
The investigation resulted in several arrests of the heads of this organization along with coconspirators. After their arrests, Wayne and Dwayne Clark were released on bond.
After the March 16 federal indictment, the Clarks were located and arrested Thursday. They were booked into the Morgan City Jail on federal arrest warrants. They were later transferred to a federal holding facility pending adjudi-cation of these charges.
The investigation continues and may result in more arrests, the Police Department said.
Here are the suspects and the charges against each. Federal charges are noted. The others are state charges.
--Dwayne Clark, 49, Morgan City, was arrested on charges of possession of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (over 28 grams), obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of distribution of heroin, two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, four counts of violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, supplying a firearm to a convicted felon, racketeering, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl (federal charge) and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (federal charge).
Clark was previously arrested July 13.
--Wayne Clark, 49, Morgan City, was arrested on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (28 grams), two counts of obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving proceeds from controlled dangerous substance activity, two counts of distribution of heroin, distribution of crack cocaine, three counts of violation of controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone), possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, racketeering, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office), conspiracy to distribute fentanyl (federal charge) and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (federal charge).
Clark was previously arrested July 13.
--Alton Kemp Jr., 35, Franklin, was arrested on charges of distribution of heroin, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and racketeering.
Kemp was previously arrested Aug. 26.
--Lloyd Jones, 53, Patterson, was arrested on charges of distribution of heroin and racketeering.
Jones was previously arrested Aug. 23.
--Keith Clark, 48, Morgan City, was arrested on a charge of obstruction of justice.
Clark was previously arrested Aug. 13.
--Christopher Woods, 30, Morgan City, was arrested on a charge of racketeering.
Woods was previously arrested July 16.
--Denise Henderson Clark, 44, Morgan City, was arrested on a charge of racketeering.
Clark was previously arrested July 15.
--Keisha Howard, 46, Morgan City, was arrested on a charge of racketeering.
Howard was previously arrested Aug. 23.
Chief James F. Blair said he wants to commend the Morgan City Police Department investigators “for their tireless work which resulted in the subsequent arrest along with our partners at the DEA along with assistance from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office. Such investigation can involve many hours, days, and weeks to identify potential suspects.
“Persistence and patience can result in outstanding police work.”