New Orleans Felon Sentenced for Gun Possession

New Orleans native Nelson Raymond was handed a 70-month sentence for illegal gun possession by U.S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter on January 31, 2023. The sentence exceeded the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Raymond pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, as outlined in Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The crime spree began when an unknown man approached Raymond’s vehicle at the intersection of Olive Street and Hamilton Street in New Orleans. The man placed a rifle inside the car before leaving. Officers later found Raymond with a firearm on his waistband. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded three additional firearms.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a joint initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in New Orleans. The program focuses on fostering community trust, supporting local organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results to create safer neighborhoods.

U.S. Attorney Evans commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department for their efforts in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel from the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

Following his release, Raymond will be on supervised release for three years and is required to pay a $100 special assessment fee.

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