A months-long investigation in St. Tammany Parish has ended with four arrests, after deputies say they uncovered a drug operation run by members of the same family. The case, built over time, points to coordinated activity across multiple locations.
“This was not a small, isolated operation,” Sheriff Randy Smith said, describing what investigators found. He added that the network was selling dangerous narcotics into local neighborhoods, a detail that has shaped how authorities are approaching the case moving forward.
How Operation Family Feud Unfolded
The investigation began in February when the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit launched what they called Operation Family Feud. Deputies focused on activity in Pearl River and Slidell, where they suspected ongoing methamphetamine and crack cocaine distribution tied to a connected group.
As the case developed, investigators identified several relatives working together. Nathaniel “Mike” Burnette, 49, was named as the primary target, with deputies linking his nephew Jamichael Powell, 21, cousin Edward Anthony Jr., 56, and brother Domonic Burnette, 47, to the operation.
By March 18, authorities moved in with support from the SWAT team, Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force. Multiple warrants were executed at once, a step usually taken when investigators believe coordination is happening across locations.
What Investigators Seized During the Operation
When deputies carried out the search warrants on March 18, they recovered a range of controlled substances spread across different forms and quantities. Investigators reported seizing about 1.4 pounds of methamphetamine, along with smaller amounts of crack cocaine and methadone.
They also found multiple prescription-level drugs, including Suboxone, buprenorphine, and oxycodone, all packaged in dosage units. This mix matters because it points to distribution across different drug types rather than a single supply stream tied to one substance.
Cash and weapons were also recovered, including $6,661 and two firearms. That combination is often treated as a sign of active trafficking, since money, drugs, and weapons appearing together usually reflect an operation built around ongoing sales rather than isolated use.
Charges and What Authorities Are Saying
Nathaniel Burnette, 49, faces multiple charges tied to drug distribution, conspiracy, and weapons possession, along with prior criminal history that investigators say adds weight to the case. Some counts also involve alleged activity taking place within 2000 feet of a school.
The other three suspects face similar charges connected to distribution and conspiracy, with variations depending on their roles. Edward Anthony Jr., 56, was already on probation until 2030, while others are accused of participating directly in sales tied to controlled substances.
“This case is a stark reminder of how deeply rooted and dangerous these operations can become,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. He noted that authorities are continuing to work with federal partners, signaling the investigation is not closed and may expand further.
Endnote
Cases involving relatives working together tend to raise deeper concerns in St. Tammany Parish, especially when operations grow over time without drawing attention. Law enforcement often points to these structures as harder to detect, since trust within families can allow activity to continue longer than expected.
What happens next will likely depend on how the ongoing investigation develops and whether additional individuals are identified. When multiple agencies remain involved, cases like this sometimes extend beyond initial arrests, with further charges or connections emerging as evidence is reviewed.