NEW ORLEANS, LA – A 22-year-old New Orleans man, Keaton Johnson, has admitted guilt to a trifecta of federal felonies stemming from a July 2022 shooting in the French Quarter. Johnson pleaded guilty on October 12, 2023, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
According to court records, the trouble began when NOPD officers responded to reports of gunfire in the popular tourist district. While no victim was found at the scene, investigators quickly zeroed in on Johnson following reports of a heated argument and subsequent shooting. A quick-thinking NOPD detective spotted Johnson attempting to flee on a bicycle, initiating a foot chase that ended with his arrest.
The charges against Johnson are substantial. Count 1 accuses him of violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) – being a felon illegally possessing a firearm. This carries a potential 15-year prison sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Count 2, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), relates to drug trafficking and could land him 20 years behind bars, a $1,000,000 fine, and a minimum of three years of supervised release.
However, it’s the third charge that presents the most severe risk for Johnson. Accused of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i), he faces a minimum of five years and a potential life sentence, to be served consecutively with any sentences imposed for the other counts. This charge also carries a potential $250,000 fine and up to five years of supervised release. A $100 mandatory special assessment fee will be applied to each count.
Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit, secured the guilty plea. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the plea, framing the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative – a nationwide program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.
The PSN program, according to the DOJ, focuses on fostering trust with communities, supporting local violence prevention groups, and strategically prioritizing enforcement. While the program touts community engagement, the outcome for Keaton Johnson is almost certainly a lengthy prison sentence, another statistic in the ongoing battle against gun and drug-related violence in New Orleans.
Related Federal Cases
- Santos Gavarrete-Nataren, Gun Smuggling, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Alabama
- Jadakiss Johnson, Armed Carjacking, Memphis TN, 2024 · Virginia
- Timothy Bowman Faces Lawsuit for Gun Safety Law Violations, St. Law… · Louisiana
- Austin, Cocaine and Gun Trafficking, Marrero LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Deborah Fortner Indicted for LRHP Grant Fraud, New Orleans LA, 2007 · Ohio
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News