Ironton Man Faces Decade for Illegal Gun Possession

NEW ORLEANS – Another thug off the streets. Mikal Black, 23, of Ironton, Louisiana, admitted in federal court Wednesday to being a prohibited person illegally packing heat. Black pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). This isn’t his first rodeo with the law, and it’s landed him in a heap of trouble.

Court records show Black was previously convicted of manufacturing a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance – meaning he’s already proven he has no respect for the law. As a convicted felon, Black is legally barred from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition. Yet, on August 11, 2020, authorities caught him red-handed with a weapon.

Now, he’s looking at a serious stretch behind bars. Black faces a maximum sentence of up to ten (10) years imprisonment. If convicted, he could also be slapped with a fine of up to $250,000.00. The feds aren’t letting up – he’s also facing up to three (3) years of supervised release *after* any prison sentence, plus a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Every crime has a cost.

U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter has scheduled Black’s sentencing hearing for February 22, 2022. Expect a harsh judgement. This case isn’t being handled in a vacuum; it’s part of the federal government’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) program – a nationwide initiative aimed at aggressively tackling violent crime.

PSN isn’t just about arrests. It’s a coordinated effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement, focusing on the most dangerous offenders and investing in programs to prevent crime and help ex-cons re-enter society. Whether it works remains to be seen, but the intention is clear: to get the guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cracking this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is handling the prosecution, ensuring Black pays for his crimes. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the outcome.