By Steve Neavling
Steven L. Hofer was named special agent in charge of the DEA’s New Orleans Field Office, the agency announced Wednesday.
Hofer joined the DEA in 2004 after serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He first held various positions in the St. Louis Division Office and the Violent Traffickers Task Force.
Most recently, he was the assistant special agent in charge of the New Orleans Division.
Hofer was promoted to group supervisor of the Springfield, MO., office in 2016 and led a task force focused on gang-related drug trafficking organizations.
In 2020, Hofer began working at DEA headquarters to help investigate pharmaceutical opioid manufacturers and distributors.
In 2022, he was appointed to assistant special agent in charge of the New Orleans Division.
In his new role, Ofer will oversee all DEA operations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama.
“I am honored to lead the DEA New Orleans Division and to work alongside the dedicated agents and staff who are committed to combating drug trafficking and protecting our communities,” Hofer said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing DEA’s mission of enforcing the nation’s drug laws and making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by drug abuse.”
Hofer received a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a minor in military science from Missouri Western State University. He later received a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri St. Louis.
He is married with three sons.
