New Orleans Man Sentenced for Gun Crime After Stash of Stolen Pistol and Cash Found in Hidden Compartment

Federal authorities in Louisiana announced the sentencing of a New Orleans man for violating the federal gun control act after a stash of a stolen pistol and cash was found hidden in a compartment of his home.

Jenard Walton, 41, was sentenced to 37 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo on June 18, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms.

According to court documents, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Walton’s residence on March 19, 2024, and found a Springfield, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol wrapped in a towel in a kitchen cabinet. Additionally, agents discovered approximately one and a half pounds of marijuana in the kitchen.

The search also uncovered a hidden compartment under a set of stairs leading to the second story, where a Smith and Wesson, .40 caliber pistol, and approximately $37,941 in U.S. currency were found. The Smith & Wesson firearm was confirmed to have been stolen.

A records check showed that Walton was a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms. Court records confirmed that Walton had at least five felony convictions, including a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Slidell Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.

The sentencing marks the latest in a string of convictions under Project Safe Neighborhoods, which aims to foster trust and legitimacy in communities, support community-based organizations, set focused enforcement priorities, and measure results.

Walton will serve 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and must pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as part of his sentence.