NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Xavier Duhon, a New Orleans resident, will spend the next seven years and three months behind bars after a federal judge handed down an 87-month sentence for unlawful possession of a machine gun. U.S. District Judge Greg Gerard Guidry delivered the sentence on May 14, 2024, following Duhon’s guilty plea. In addition to imprisonment, Duhon will face three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment fee.
The case stems from a brazen shooting on March 23, 2023. Court records reveal that following a traffic collision on the Crescent City Connection bridge, Duhon opened fire on another vehicle while traveling east bank bound. When law enforcement attempted a traffic stop, Duhon didn’t comply, leading officers on a chaotic chase that transitioned from a vehicle pursuit to a foot pursuit. He was apprehended shortly after in the 900 block of Magazine Street.
The ensuing investigation uncovered a dangerous arsenal. Officers, retracing Duhon’s escape route and reviewing surveillance footage, recovered two pistols: a Glock Model 17, 9-millimeter, and a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber. Crucially, both firearms were equipped with illegal machinegun conversion devices, turning standard pistols into fully automatic weapons. This discovery led to charges under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).
“This isn’t just about illegal guns; it’s about reckless violence on a major thoroughfare,” a source close to the investigation told Grimy Times. “Imagine the potential for disaster if those rounds had hit their mark. This guy clearly had no regard for human life.” The source added that the Crescent City Connection is a vital artery for the city, and an incident like this could have caused widespread panic and gridlock.
Federal prosecutors highlighted that this case is a key component of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement and local communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, prioritizing enforcement, and tracking results.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) jointly investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit handling the prosecution. This conviction sends a clear message: those who illegally possess and use machine guns will face severe consequences. Duhon’s sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and the commitment of federal authorities to keeping the streets of New Orleans safe.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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