Johann Gary Barnes, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Louisiana 2018

A 47-year-old man from Plain Dealing, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Johann Gary Barnes, 47, was handed down the sentence by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on Monday.

The charges against Barnes stem from a traffic stop on January 29, 2018, by a Benton police officer. The officer pulled over Barnes’ pickup truck and observed a small amount of marijuana in the center console and a sawed-off shotgun at the foot of the driver’s seat. The shotgun, an Ithaca, model: 37 Featherlite, 12-gauge, was loaded with four rounds in the magazine tube and one in the chamber.

Barnes pleaded guilty to the federal charge on November 15, 2018. His prior convictions include possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I drug on March 1, 2004, in Caddo Parish, and possession of a firearm by a felon on September 27, 2005.

Under federal law, convicted felons are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. Barnes’ case is a reminder of the importance of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an evidence-based program aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to identify and address violent crime problems in the community.

The ATF and the Benton Police Department conducted the investigation into Barnes’ case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is an effective program in reducing violent crime. Through PSN, stakeholders work together to develop comprehensive solutions to address violent crime in the community. The program focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

With the sentence of 78 months in prison, Barnes will face significant time behind bars for his crime. This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of violating federal laws and the importance of community efforts in reducing violent crime.

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