NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Jung Hotel, a historic fixture in the city’s Central Business District, became a battleground on December 28, 2020, when a brazen attempt to rob a group dealing marijuana erupted into a chaotic gunfight. Now, two of the alleged perpetrators, DARIUS DANNEL, a/k/a “DD,” and TERRELL MOORE, a/k/a “Rell,” have admitted their roles in the bloody affair, entering guilty pleas before Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.
According to court documents, DANNEL and MOORE each pled guilty to four counts: attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, using and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The incident involved over 80 shots fired, leaving three individuals wounded. Hotel security cameras captured much of the shootout, providing crucial evidence for federal investigators.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Duane A. Evans, detailed how DANNEL and MOORE were part of a six-man crew targeting the marijuana dealers. The attempted robbery quickly devolved into a violent confrontation. DANNEL and MOORE confessed to participating in the robbery and discharging firearms during the exchange. Six robbers have now pled guilty, and two of the marijuana distributors are also facing consequences for their involvement.
Clarence Santiago, one of the marijuana distributors, already received a harsh sentence – 30 years imprisonment – handed down by Judge Greg. G. Guidry on March 7, 2023. Video surveillance from the Jung Hotel played a key role in Santiago’s sentencing. Now, DANNEL and MOORE face significant prison time as well. For the attempted Hobbs Act Robbery (Count 1), they could receive up to 20 years, a $250,000.00 fine, and three years of supervised release. Count 2 carries a maximum of 5 years and a $250,000.00 fine, with at least two years of supervised release. However, the most severe penalties stem from Count 3 – using a firearm during a drug crime – which carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a potential life sentence, plus a $250,000.00 fine and five years of supervised release. This sentence must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Count 4 carries a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000.00 fine.
Each defendant also faces a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing for both DANNEL and MOORE is scheduled for June 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. This case is being touted as a success for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. But for the victims of the Jung Hotel shootout, and the residents of New Orleans, the long arm of the law offers little comfort for the scars – both physical and emotional – left behind.
The ATF, working in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, continues to investigate related crimes and dismantle organized criminal networks operating in the Eastern District of Louisiana. While these guilty pleas represent a step toward justice, the Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and hold accountable those responsible for the violence that plagues our streets. The investigation remains open, and further arrests are possible as authorities attempt to piece together the full scope of the criminal enterprise behind the Jung Hotel shootout.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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