NEW ORLEANS, LA – Keaton Manghane, 24, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is facing serious federal heat after being indicted on a single count of possession of a machinegun. The indictment, initially sealed, was unsealed today, revealing the charges brought against the Tennessee resident in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Federal investigators allege that Manghane illegally possessed a machinegun, a violation of federal law. The specifics of how authorities came to suspect and then confirm Manghane’s possession of the weapon haven’t been released, but the charge carries a hefty potential penalty. If convicted, Manghane could spend up to 10 years behind bars.
Beyond prison time, the indictment also outlines a potential fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release following incarceration, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans was quick to emphasize the fundamental principle of American justice: this indictment is merely an accusation, and Manghane is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), working in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department. The joint investigation suggests a coordinated effort to crack down on illegal firearms trafficking and possession within the city. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman, from the Violent Crimes Unit, is leading the prosecution.
This prosecution falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. Launched in 2021, the revamped PSN strategy focuses on building trust with communities, supporting local violence prevention programs, and prioritizing strategic enforcement. The DOJ claims this approach is designed to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
While the details surrounding Manghane’s alleged possession remain sparse, the case underscores the ATF’s continued focus on combating illegal weapons proliferation. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the federal court system, bringing you updates on the proceedings and the ultimate outcome for Keaton Manghane.
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- Keaton Manghane, Machinegun Possession, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Tennessee
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- Keaton Manghane Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machine Gun, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Tennessee
- Angelo Demario Young, Illegal Firearm Possession, LA 2024 · Louisiana
- Jeff Landry, Firearm Purchase Tracking, Louisiana 2024 · Alaska
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