Ironton Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession

New Orleans – In a chilling display of the harsh consequences for illegal firearm possession, Mikal Black, 23, from Ironton, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge stems from Black’s possession of a firearm on August 11, 2020.

According to court documents, Black had previously been convicted of manufacturing a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, which prohibits him from owning or carrying firearms under the Federal Gun Control Act. Despite this, he was caught with a firearm, marking his second brush with the law involving deadly weapons.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the stiff penalties Black now faces. If sentenced to the maximum term, he could spend up to ten years behind bars, pay a fine as high as $250,000, and be subjected to three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Additionally, he must also pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

The sentencing hearing is set for February 22, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a joint federal, state, and local initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through comprehensive solutions and focused enforcement on the most violent offenders.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans commended the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their diligent work in investigating this case. Assistant U. S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is handling the prosecution.

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