Maurice Butler, Gun Violation, Louisiana 2022

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Maurice Butler, 34, of St. Tammany Parish, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury on December 8, 2022, for violating the Gun Control Act. The indictment alleges Butler, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a firearm – a clear breach of federal law.

According to the Department of Justice, Butler is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). This isn’t a minor paperwork issue; if convicted, Butler could be looking at a maximum sentence of ten years behind bars. The potential penalties don’t stop there – he also faces a hefty fine of up to $250,000.00, three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans stressed that the indictment is simply an accusation. “The guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Evans stated. The wheels of justice are turning, but a conviction is far from guaranteed. This case is being aggressively pursued as part of the broader Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at curbing violent crime and gun violence across the nation.

Project Safe Neighborhoods, recently strengthened by the Department of Justice in May 2021, isn’t just about arrests. It’s a multi-faceted approach focused on building trust with communities, supporting local organizations working on violence prevention, and strategically prioritizing enforcement. The goal? To create safer neighborhoods for everyone, and reduce the bloodshed plaguing too many cities.

The investigation into Butler’s alleged crime was a joint effort, involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. These agencies worked together to gather evidence and build a case against Butler, demonstrating a unified front against illegal gun possession.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy is leading the prosecution, tasked with proving Butler’s guilt in court. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, providing updates as it progresses through the federal legal system. Stay tuned for further developments as we dig deeper into this and other federal crimes impacting our communities.

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