Carlsel Alexander, Gun Possession by Felon, Baton Rouge LA, 2023

NEW ORLEANS – A 28-year-old Baton Rouge man is facing serious time in federal prison after admitting he shouldn’t have had a gun in the first place. Carlsel Alexander pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a charge stemming from his arrest during the height of Mardi Gras celebrations.

According to court documents, the New Orleans Police Department snagged Alexander on February 21st while he was walking a Mardi Gras parade route carrying a stolen FN Model 509, nine-millimeter firearm. It wasn’t just the presence of the gun that landed him in trouble; Alexander’s prior criminal history made simple possession a federal offense. As a convicted felon, he is legally barred from owning or possessing any firearm.

Federal prosecutors are now aiming for a stiff sentence. Alexander is looking at a maximum of 15 years behind bars, along with a hefty fine of up to $250,000. If convicted, he’ll also be subject to three years of supervised release after his prison term and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan will hand down the sentence on November 30th.

The case is being touted by authorities as a win for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in 2021, focusing on building trust with communities, supporting local violence prevention groups, and prioritizing strategic enforcement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department jointly investigated the case, piecing together the evidence that led to Alexander’s guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Bell of the General Crime Unit is prosecuting the matter. The recovery of the stolen firearm also removes a dangerous weapon from the streets during a notoriously chaotic event.

While authorities celebrate this conviction as a step toward safer neighborhoods, the case underscores the ongoing struggle to keep guns out of the hands of those legally prohibited from possessing them. The legal battle for Alexander is far from over, and the outcome will undoubtedly send a message about the consequences of flouting federal gun laws in Louisiana.

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