Gernell Hankton, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2025

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – In a shocking turn of events, 34-year-old Gernell Hankton was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and making a false statement during a firearm purchase.

On January 8, 2025, U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance handed down the sentence to Hankton, who was found guilty of violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(2). As part of the sentence, Hankton will serve 120 months in prison for each of the first two counts, to be served concurrently, and an additional 15 months for making a false statement during the firearm purchase, to be served consecutively.

In addition to his prison sentence, Hankton will also be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release. He was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $300.

The case against Hankton began in July 2019, when he was involved in a hit-and-run vehicular accident in the drive-thru of a McDonald’s restaurant in New Orleans. During the altercation, Hankton brandished and fired a .40 caliber firearm at the victim’s vehicle, but fortunately, no one was injured.

Further investigation revealed that Hankton had attempted to purchase a firearm from the Gurvich Detective Agency, a federal firearms licensee, through a straw purchase. Hankton’s girlfriend had initially attempted to purchase the firearm, but Hankton later admitted that he was the real purchaser and had made a false statement on the ATF 4473 form to obtain the pistol.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana is committed to working with law enforcement agencies and community organizations to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The sentence against Hankton serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating federal firearm laws and the importance of community-based initiatives in reducing violent crime. As we continue to work towards a safer and more just society, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to provide support to those who have been impacted by violence.

Related Federal Cases