KC Restaurant Was Allegedly Serving Cajun/Creole Cuisine & Cocaine Keys

April 22, 2016

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“Staff was wonderful, food was great, especially the stuffed catfish…drinks were good and the atmosphere was insane,” reads the Yelp review of a satisfied patron of Danny’s Big Easy in Kansas City, MO. The restaurant also entertained customers, who came for its Cajun & Creole menu offerings with live jazz band performances. However, those who enjoyed the food and atmosphere will likely have to find a new place to satisfy their hunger and need for a good time. Paul Danny Gosserand, owner of 18th & Vine district eatery, along with his now ex-wife, Jean Stephens, have been charged with distributing large amounts of cocaine.

Gosserand, 57, was federally indicted yesterday (April 21) on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. According to the Kansas City Star:

The charges stem from a 2011 investigation in which undercover agents allegedly bought multiple kilogram amounts of cocaine from Gosserand and his former wife, Jean Stephens, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City.

Stephens, 64, entered her guilty plea to cocaine distribution, in November. She will learn her fate in June, when she is scheduled for sentencing. The Star reports:

According to her plea agreement, a confidential informant working with federal agents met with Gosserand and Stephens at the restaurant to arrange the purchase of drugs.

Agents later served a search warrant of Stephens’ home and recovered more than two kilograms of cocaine, about $20,000 and gold coins worth about $15,000, according to the court documents.

Gosserand also stands accused of possessing two firearms as part of a drug trafficking crime.

Read here about the Brooklyn factory owner who committed suicide during a cannabis raid.

Ryan K. Smith

Ryan K. Smith is digital content editor for Don Diva Magazine. Earning a bachelors degree from Penn State University (by way of Howard University), Ryan has pursued a career in journalism, published by Complex Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Philadelphia Weekly and The Chester Spirit Newspaper. He is also a self-published author. He sells the most awesome tee shirts on Earth at meweforus.spreadshirt.com.