District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today that a 10th Judicial District Court jury returned guilty verdicts in a firearm and narcotics case, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence following sentencing proceedings.

A 12-person jury convicted Chase Allen Skinner, 37, of Natchitoches, of one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of hydrocodone. The convictions were related to a March 2025 arrest by the Natchitoches Police Department, during which Skinner was arrested and found to be in possession of a .357 magnum firearm and narcotics.

On Jan. 20, District Court Judge Lala Sylvester, who presided over the case, sentenced Skinner, who has prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm, to 40 years of incarceration at hard labor. At sentencing, Judge Sylvester stated, “This court has a duty to protect the public, a duty to hold you accountable, and a duty to send a message that there are consequences for persistent
criminal behavior.”

Judge Sylvester sentenced Skinner as a habitual offender following a motion filed by the District Attorney’s Office.