Anthony Thomas, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Louisiana 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Anthony Thomas, 49, is facing serious federal time after being indicted on a firearms charge, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday. The New Orleans man was allegedly found with a loaded weapon despite a criminal history that already bars him from possessing one.

According to court documents, on December 12th, Thomas knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SW40V, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. This isn’t a case of mistaken identity; authorities say Thomas knew full well he was prohibited from having a firearm due to a prior conviction for a crime punishable by more than a year in prison.

If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Thomas could be looking at up to 15 years behind bars. The potential penalties don’t stop there: a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release after serving his time, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee are also on the table. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans was quick to point out that an indictment is just an accusation, and Thomas is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement at all levels with the communities they serve. Launched in 2021, the revamped PSN strategy focuses on building trust, supporting community organizations, prioritizing enforcement, and measuring results – a tall order in a city grappling with persistent violence.

Federal Protective Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the New Orleans Police Department all played a role in the investigation that led to Thomas’s indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy is prosecuting the case, signaling the feds are taking this matter seriously.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the legal system. The question remains: will this indictment translate into a conviction and a significant sentence, or will Thomas once again evade justice? This case is another stark reminder of the ongoing battle to keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, a battle that rages on in New Orleans and across the nation.

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