Two Alexandria men stopped in Vernon Parish for a traffic violation in March of 2021 have been convicted of drug possession and are awaiting sentencing.

Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright said when Louisiana State Police troopers stopped Shedrick Doshawn Metoyer and Courtland King, “a significant amount of cocaine and methamphetamines” were seized from the vehicle.

King was convicted at trial by a jury in September 2023 and is awaiting sentencing.

Lambright said the District Attorney’s Office has filed a motion with the courts to have King sentenced under the “habitual offender” statute due to his numerous prior felony convictions. If King is determined by the court to be a habitual offender, he faces a minimum sentence of 20 years to life and would not be entitled to early release based on good time.

Metoyer was found guilty of possession in excess of 28 grams of cocaine and methamphetamine during his January trial. Lambright intends to also file a motion to have Metoyer sentenced under the same “habitual offender” guidelines due to his numerous prior felony convictions. He would be subject to the same minimum and maximum sentence if determined to be a habitual offender by the court.

“Drugs have impacted many, if not all communities in our state. I will continue to do everything in my power to fight this problem,” Lambright said. “My commitment to make Vernon Parish safe will not cease. I would also like to thank Trooper Davis for his work and professionalism as well as Assistant District Attorney Heath Dillon who prosecuted this case.”

The trial was held before the Honorable Judge C. Anthony Eaves.