Two St. Bernard men arrested for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, seize rifle and cash

Two St. Bernard Parish men were arrested June 18 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and a rifle and cash were seized, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Paul Johannessen, 23, of the 1900 block of Heights Drive in St. Bernard community, was booked with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute THC wax, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  

Brandon Traylor, 23, of the 1900 block of Jeanfreau Drive in Poydras, was booked with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and on a probation violation.

On June 18, around 1 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division were conducting patrols along Heights Drive in Violet in response to tips they received from anonymous sources about some suspected illegal activity in the neighborhood.

While patrolling the area, agents witnessed a male, later identified as Traylor, quickly retreat to the backyard of a residence upon noticing deputies.

When agents approached the residence, Sheriff Pohlmann said, another male, later identified as Johannessen, began to step outside of the house, but then quickly tried to retreat back inside once he noticed deputies.

As Johannessen opened the door, agents detected a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the residence, and a search warrant was obtained.

During the investigation, agents recovered two large, clear plastic, vacuum-sealed bags containing approximately 1.1 pounds of marijuana, several packages containing approximately 2.5 ounces of THC wax, a large glass smoking device, scales, and plastic baggies.

Sheriff Pohlmann said agents also recovered $2,394 in cash and a .9mm Palmetto Armory Rifle with two extended, high-capacity magazines.

Johannessen and Traylor were both transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison where they were booked on the above charges. Traylor is being held on a $15,000 bond; Johannessen was released June 19 on a $56,500 bond.  

Sheriff Pohlmann reminds residents to call the Sheriff’s Office narcotics hotline at (504) 271-DOPE or 3673 to report suspected illegal drug activity in St. Bernard Parish. Callers can remain anonymous, and all calls will be acted upon.