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Felon Caught with Firearm

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Alton Coeks, a resident of Orleans Parish, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in a federal court.

The 40-year-old was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 23, 2020. On July 7, 2021, he pleaded guilty as charged to the crime, which is punishable under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e).

Depending on the court’s determination, Coeks may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment. He also faces a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

If the court determines that Coeks is not an Armed Career Criminal, he may face up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

The case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. This program is aimed at reducing violent crime through a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify and address pressing violent crime problems in the community.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Program has proven to be effective in reducing violent crime. Through this strategy, enforcement efforts are focused on the most violent offenders, and partnerships are formed with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.