NEW ORLEANS, LA – A New Orleans man is facing serious federal time after being indicted on a firearms charge, the Department of Justice announced Monday. Irvin J. Lefere, Jr., 37, is accused of illegally possessing a handgun despite a prior felony conviction.
According to the indictment, Lefere knowingly had a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition on or around July 13, 2022. Federal prosecutors say he was aware he was prohibited from owning a firearm due to a previous conviction for a crime carrying a sentence exceeding one year.
If convicted, Lefere faces up to fifteen years in federal prison. He’s also looking at a potential fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. A mandatory $100 special assessment fee will also be applied if he’s found guilty.
The case is being touted as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a broad initiative aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence through coordinated law enforcement efforts. The Justice Department launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, focusing on community trust, prevention programs, and strategic enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans was quick to point out that the indictment is not proof of guilt. “The indictment is merely a charging document,” Evans stated, “and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is handling the prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the federal court system. This prosecution signals a continued federal focus on firearms offenses in the New Orleans area.
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