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On Oct. 11, 2021, the Bogalusa Police Department’s Violent Crimes Task Force arrested Cordaro Levi on North Border Drive after he fled on foot from a traffic stop, according to BPD officials.

Levi was reportedly in possession of two bottles of promethazine, a Schedule V narcotic. BPD officials said that Levi was also the subject of an ongoing narcotics investigation at the time. He was booked into the Washington Parish Jail, charged with resisting an officer and possession of Schedule V narcotics. Levi was soon bonded and released from the parish jail.

Shortly after his release, Task Force Officers received information that Levi was back in business, selling illegal narcotics with his alleged partner in crime, Paul Kates Jr., from Levi’s State Street residence, official said.

The investigation continued, which led to a search warrant executed at the residence on Monday. When officers were making entry, Levi reportedly unsuccessfully attempted to barricade the door. Both Levi and Kates were detained.

Inside the residence and on the surrounding property, BPD officers reportedly located a variety of illegal narcotics and a handgun.

Levi and Kates were arrested and both were charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics, possession with intent to distribute Schedule III narcotics, three counts of possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV narcotics, possession with intent to distribute Schedule V narcotics, sale/possession of legend drugs, possession/carrying a weapon by a convicted felon, and illegal carrying of a weapon while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance. The street value of the seized narcotics was estimated at approximately $15,000, officials said.

The Bogalusa Police Department has arrested Levi six times since 2007, and Kates 14 times since 2004. Both reportedly have a history of narcotics violations, and both are convicted felons.

Both suspects have been booked into the Washington Parish Jail. The case has been submitted to District Attorney Warren Montgomery’s office for prosecution.