Christopher Shaw, 35, Indicted for Violating Federal Gun Control Act in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — A New Orleans man has been indicted for violating the Federal Gun Control Act by being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, on January 24, 2023, Christopher Shaw, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was in possession of a Glock, Model 43, 9mm semi-automatic pistol after having been convicted in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, on the felony charge of conspiring to pimp a prostitute under the age of 16.

If convicted, Shaw faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment to be followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the violent crime reduction efforts.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Shaw’s case serves as an example of the PSN Program’s focus on violent crime and its commitment to keeping communities safe.

The New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked together to investigate this matter.

Mandatory Facts:

1. Defendant: Christopher Shaw

2. Criminal Charges: Violating the Federal Gun Control Act by being a felon in possession of a firearm (Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1))

3. City and State: New Orleans, Louisiana

4. Exact Date: January 24, 2023

5. Sentence or Outcome: Up to 15 years imprisonment, up to 3 years supervised release, fine up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment fee

6. Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine, $100 special assessment fee