NEW ORLEANS, LA – Kirk Odoms, 36, of New Orleans, is looking at a substantial stretch in federal prison after pleading guilty yesterday to both drug and gun charges. The case, built by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department, paints a picture of a man already walking a dangerous line, now facing the consequences.
Odoms admitted to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). He also confessed to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a breach of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The charges suggest a clear pattern of disregard for the law, and a willingness to profit from the misery of others.
The potential penalties are steep. The cocaine charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars, alongside a potential $1,000,000 fine, and a minimum of three years of supervised release. The gun charge isn’t far behind, with a maximum 15-year sentence, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervision. Add to that a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each offense, and Odoms is facing a serious financial hit as well.
Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crime Unit, successfully secured the guilty plea. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, headed by Duane A. Evans, is aggressively pursuing cases like this one, hoping to stem the tide of violence plaguing the city.
This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence through coordinated law enforcement efforts and community engagement. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing trust-building, community support, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. Whether those lofty goals translate to real change on the streets remains to be seen.
Odoms is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2023, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan. At that time, the judge will determine the extent of his punishment, taking into account the severity of the crimes and Odoms’s criminal history. This case serves as a stark reminder that dealing drugs and illegally carrying firearms carries significant risks, and those who choose to do so will face the full force of the law.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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