NEW ORLEANS, LA – Christopher Smith, 31, of New Orleans, has confessed to a federal weapons charge, admitting he illegally possessed three firearms despite a prior felony conviction. The plea, entered before U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey on October 25, 2022, brings Smith one step closer to facing significant prison time.
According to federal prosecutors, Smith was found to be in possession of the firearms on April 10, 2022, a clear violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The indictment specifically charges him with being a felon in possession, a crime that carries a hefty penalty in a city already grappling with rampant gun violence.
If convicted at sentencing, scheduled for January 17, 2023, Smith faces a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars. He’s also looking at a potential fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after serving his time, and a mandatory $100 assessment fee. The feds aren’t messing around with illegal gun possession in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans framed the case as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) initiative. PSN, a nationwide program, aims to unite law enforcement at all levels with local communities to drive down violent crime and gun violence. The program’s recent overhaul emphasizes building trust with communities, investing in violence prevention, and focusing enforcement efforts.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) spearheaded the investigation, bringing Smith’s illegal activity to light. Evans publicly commended both agencies for their work in keeping the streets of New Orleans a little less saturated with illegal firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich, from the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case.
This case is a stark reminder that possessing a firearm while a convicted felon isn’t a minor offense. It’s a federal crime with serious consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to track Smith’s case and report on the sentencing when it occurs. The question remains: will 10 years be enough to deter others from making the same dangerous choice?
Related Federal Cases
- Ronald Taylor, Weapons Violation, New Orleans LA, 2023 · California
- Percy Smith, Weapons Violations, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Illinois
- Christopher Shaw, Gun Violation, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Illinois
- Derrick Johnson, Gun Violation, New Orleans LA, 2023 · California
- Shamar Holmes, Gun Violation, New Orleans LA, 2023 · California
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