Christopher Shaw, Gun Violation, New Orleans LA, 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA – A New Orleans man is facing serious federal charges after authorities discovered he was illegally holding a handgun. Chrstopher Shaw, 35, was indicted last week for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, adding another layer to a troubling pattern of firearms offenses in the city.

According to court documents, Shaw was found in possession of a Glock, model 43, 9mm semi-automatic pistol on January 24, 2023. The catch? He’s already a convicted felon. Shaw previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to pimp a prostitute under the age of 16 in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange – a grim reminder of his past offenses. The indictment specifically cites Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), the federal law prohibiting felons from owning firearms.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the indictment, but was quick to point out that it’s merely an accusation. “The indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” he stated. If convicted, Shaw could be looking at up to 15 years behind bars, followed by up to three years of supervised release. He also faces a hefty fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Federal officials are framing the case within the larger context of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a joint initiative between federal, state, and local law enforcement. PSN is a Department of Justice program designed to aggressively target violent offenders and reduce crime through a combination of enforcement and community-based prevention programs. The program’s focus is on evidence-based strategies that have proven effective in curbing violence.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) jointly investigated the case, demonstrating a coordinated effort to keep illegal weapons off the streets. The ATF’s involvement signals the agency’s continued focus on tracing and disrupting the flow of firearms used in criminal activity. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution.

This case underscores the ongoing battle against gun violence in New Orleans and the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting those who illegally possess firearms. Shaw’s fate now rests in the hands of the court, and the outcome will likely send a message to others contemplating similar offenses. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

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