LIVINGSTON — A Tangipahoa Parish man has been sentenced to 70 years behind bars in one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Livingston Parish. Devonte Skinner, 32, of Tickfaw, was found guilty and labeled as a “habitual offender,” according to the Livingston Parish District Attorney’s Office.
The case dates back to April 2024, when Skinner was found guilty on multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamines, and marijuana. Deputies found Skinner with 3,000 fentanyl pills, a significant quantity of methamphetamines, and prepackaged marijuana, all ready to be dealt. It’s why officials said this was one of the largest fentanyl seizure in Livingston Parish history.
Skinner’s criminal history played a crucial role in the outcome of his sentencing, which was held on Aug. 7, 2024. After his conviction, Assistant District Attorney Kurt Wall filed a motion to have Skinner classified as a habitual offender. This designation is used for people with a history of felony offenses, and it significantly increases the consequences they face. In Skinner’s case, this habitual offender status led to a much harsher sentence than that of a first-time offender.
During the sentencing, Judge Charlotte Foster sentenced Skinner to 70 years for the fentanyl charges alone. He received 30 years for the methamphetamine charge and 10 for the marijuana charge. In total, Skinner received a combined sentence of 110 years, though his sentences will be served concurrently, meaning the 70-year fentanyl sentence is the one that ultimately determines his time in prison.
What makes Skinner’s situation even more severe is that, due to his habitual offender status, he will not be eligible for “good time.” This means that he will not have the opportunity for early release based on good behavior.
“Fentanyl has taken the lives of too many in our community. It’s a deadly substance that shows no mercy, and neither will we. We will diligently seek the maximum punishment for those who continue to sell fentanyl and other illicit drugs,” said District Attorney Scott Perrilloux.
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