Slidell Man Sentenced to 20 Years After Repeated Meth

A Slidell man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple narcotics charges and being classified as a fourth-time habitual offender.

According to prosecutors, 32-year-old Henry Leymon Gaines entered guilty pleas on April 14 to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of jumping bail.

Authorities said Gaines was first arrested on February 11, 2025, after detectives conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 12 near Covington. Investigators reportedly used a K-9 unit and discovered more than 236 grams of methamphetamine packaged in vacuum-sealed bags inside a bucket in the backseat.

Officials say Gaines later admitted he had traveled to Baton Rouge to purchase the drugs and planned to distribute them in the Slidell area.

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While out on bond, Gaines failed to appear for trial, resulting in an arrest warrant.

Detectives located him again on February 19, 2026, this time as a passenger in a vehicle in the Alton area. Authorities said they found more than 15 grams of methamphetamine hidden in his clothing. Officials also noted a 7-year-old child was in the vehicle during the arrest.

Court officials said Gaines admitted he skipped court because he did not want to face the prison sentence previously offered during plea negotiations.