NEW ORLEANS, LA – Juan Matthews, 22, of New Orleans, is staring down a potential life sentence after admitting to federal charges of drug trafficking and illegal gun possession. Matthews pled guilty on March 13th to multiple counts, including possessing a converted machine gun – a Glock pistol illegally modified to fire automatically.
The case stems from a May 18, 2023 incident where New Orleans Police Department officers spotted a black Audi SUV matching the description of a vehicle connected to a recent shooting. A pursuit ensued, and Matthews and two other men bolted from the vehicle. Officers witnessed Matthews ditch a Glock pistol during the foot chase, later confirmed to have an illegal machinegun conversion device attached. The weapon effectively transformed the handgun into a fully automatic firearm, a serious federal offense.
Upon his capture, authorities found Matthews in possession of marijuana, tapentadol – a potent opioid pain reliever – and accompanying drug paraphernalia. He now faces the consequences for his actions. Count 3 charges him with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tapentadol, carrying a potential 20-year prison term and up to a $1,000,000 fine. Count 4, possession of a firearm during a drug crime, is the most severe, with a potential sentence ranging from five years to life, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. He also faces a $250,000 fine and up to five years of supervised release for that charge.
Adding to his legal woes, Matthews also pled guilty to Count 5, possession of a machine gun, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence and a $250,000 fine. On top of these potential penalties, Matthews will be required to pay a $100 special assessment fee for each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, working alongside the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is prosecuting the case.
Federal officials are framing the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a nationwide initiative aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence by strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. The Department of Justice launched a renewed focus on PSN in May 2021, emphasizing trust-building, community support, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. But for Matthews, the initiative translates to a likely lengthy stay in federal prison.
Matthews is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. This case serves as a stark reminder that the illegal combination of drugs and firearms carries severe federal penalties, and those who engage in such activity will be aggressively prosecuted.
Related Federal Cases
- Juan Francisco Saenz-Tamez, Texas Drug Trafficking, Beaumont TX, 2023 · Louisiana
- Austin, Cocaine and Gun Trafficking, Marrero LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Laquentin Brown, Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Illinois
- Santos Gavarrete-Nataren, Gun Smuggling, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Alabama
- Michael John Pereira, Possession of a Firearm in a Drug Trafficking… · Louisiana
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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