Carlsel Alexander, Illegal Firearm, Louisiana 2023

NEW ORLEANS – Carlsel Alexander, 27, of Baton Rouge, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for illegally possessing a handgun, the Department of Justice announced Monday. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan handed down the 33-month sentence on November 30th, followed by three years of supervised release.

Alexander was convicted of possession of a FN Model 509, 9-millimeter semiautomatic handgun, a clear violation of federal law – specifically Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The charge stems from the fact that Alexander is a convicted felon, legally barred from owning a firearm.

Federal prosecutors successfully argued that Alexander’s possession of the weapon posed a risk to public safety. In addition to the prison sentence and supervised release, Alexander was ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans highlighted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. PSN focuses on collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and community organizations to address the root causes of crime and build safer neighborhoods.

The Department of Justice relaunched a strengthened PSN in May 2021, emphasizing trust-building with communities, support for violence prevention programs, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. This case serves as an example of the program’s focus on taking armed criminals off the streets.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Bell of the General Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. The ATF’s New Orleans Field Division played a critical role in the investigation, working alongside NOPD detectives to gather evidence and build a solid case against Alexander. This conviction sends a message: those with felony convictions who illegally possess firearms will face serious federal consequences.

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