Tate Brothers Caught with Heat, Plead Guilty

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Two New Orleans brothers are facing serious time after admitting to a boneheaded move: being felons in possession of firearms. TERRELL TATE, 26, and his brother, GEREME TATE, 25, entered guilty pleas today, bringing them one step closer to federal prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the convictions, but don’t expect any parades.

The bust dates back to July 4, 2016, when the Tate brothers were found packing a Glock Model 19C semiautomatic pistol and a Taurus Model PT111, 9mm pistol. What makes this more than just a weapons violation? Both men already had felony convictions on their records in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. It’s a simple equation: prior felony + firearm = federal charges, and a lengthy potential sentence.

Federal prosecutors aren’t playing around. Each defendant is looking at a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years. Add to that a hefty fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release after they serve their time. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown has scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2017. Expect a harsh reckoning.

This isn’t a closed case for the Tate family, though. A third brother, MICHAEL TATE, is still slated to face a jury on June 5, 2017. Details of his alleged involvement haven’t been fully released, but the feds are clearly treating all three men as connected. Whether he’ll follow his brothers’ lead and plead guilty remains to be seen.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans was quick to credit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for their work on this investigation. The ATF has been aggressively targeting illegal gun possession in New Orleans, and this case is just the latest example. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih and Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley, of the Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Gang Section, are leading the prosecution. They’re known for building airtight cases.

This case serves as a stark reminder: in Louisiana, and across the country, a past felony conviction doesn’t just limit your opportunities – it can land you back in court if you’re caught with a firearm. The Tate brothers learned that lesson the hard way, and now they’re facing the consequences. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as they develop.

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