Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright reports the recent sentencing of Delon Q. Swafford 43 of Leesville.

In March 2023 Swafford was convicted by a 12-person jury of possession with the intent to distribute over 28 grams of methamphetamine, possession of more than 2 grams but less than 28 grams of Fentanyl, possession of less than 2 grams of Cocaine and possession of less than 2 grams of Morphine. The trial and conviction was the result of a lengthy investigation of Swafford selling drugs in Vernon Parish.

Following his conviction, Assistant District Attorney Wayne Bush sought to have Swafford’s penalty enhanced under the Habitual Offender Statute due him having 4 prior felony convictions. The Habitual Offender enhancement changed Swafford’s exposure with the Louisiana Department of Corrections to no less than 20 years and a maximum exposure of natural life without benefit of suspension of sentence or probation.

Swafford appeared before the Honorable Judge Scott C. Westerchil on Wednesday, Aug. 2, and was sentenced to 25 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

“Unfortunately, drugs have negatively impacted our community just like many other communities throughout the state. Individuals who sell and distribute drugs in our community will be prosecuted aggressively by my office. Sentencing enhancement will also be used for those individuals that have multiple felonies, as provided by the law. The distribution of drugs destroys individuals and families. Aggressive prosecution and strong sentences are required to deal with felony drug distributors,” said Lambright.