NEW ORLEANS, LA – Keenan Conley, 25, of Orleans Parish, is headed to federal prison for nearly eight years after being convicted on multiple drug and weapons charges stemming from a 2021 shooting in Harvey, Louisiana. U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon handed down the 92-month sentence on February 9, 2023, followed by three years of supervised release and a $400 special assessment fee. The sentence will run consecutively to a state sentence Conley is already serving, meaning more time behind bars for the young man.
The case began with a shooting on January 25, 2021. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) detectives investigating the incident searched Conley’s vehicle, uncovering both narcotics and a firearm. This led to an arrest warrant, and Conley was taken into custody on May 17, 2021. The search during his arrest revealed another firearm hidden in the engine compartment near the battery, alongside additional drugs in his possession.
Federal prosecutors successfully argued that Conley possessed marijuana with intent to distribute, violating Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D). He was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), on two separate counts. Finally, Conley was found guilty of possessing heroin, cocaine, and marijuana with intent to distribute, as outlined in Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). A five-count indictment ultimately saw four convictions.
This isn’t just a local bust; it’s part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) initiative, a nationwide program aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence by bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement. The DOJ recently strengthened PSN, emphasizing community trust, supporting violence prevention groups, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. The program, while often touted as a success, has seen mixed results in consistently curbing violent trends.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the collaborative effort of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in securing the conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Inga Petrovich, of the Violent Crime Unit, spearheaded the prosecution. The ATF’s involvement signals a focus on tracing the origins of the firearms and potentially linking them to other criminal activity.
Conley’s case serves as a stark reminder that possessing illegal firearms and engaging in drug trafficking carry significant federal penalties. The consecutive sentencing highlights the willingness of courts to maximize punishment for repeat offenders or those facing multiple charges. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the effectiveness of PSN in the New Orleans area.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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