Keaton Manghane, Possessing Machine Gun, Louisiana 2023

A Tennessee man’s Mardi Gras celebration turned into a nightmare when he was arrested for carrying a loaded machine gun on Bourbon Street.

Keaton Manghane, 24, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to possessing a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). His sentence could be up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

According to court documents, Manghane was walking on Bourbon Street just after 2:00 a.m. on February 21, 2023, when he was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department. He was found to be carrying a loaded handgun equipped with a Glock auto-sear in his pocket.

The auto-sear device turned the semi-automatic firearm into a fully-automatic machine gun. After Manghane’s arrest, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives function tested the firearm and confirmed that it functioned as a machine gun.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in our communities. The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit.

Manghane’s guilty plea is a stark reminder of the dangers of carrying a loaded machine gun on our streets. We hope that his sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who would consider committing a similar crime.

As the New Orleans community continues to grapple with the consequences of gun violence, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to reduce crime and keep our streets safe.

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