NEW ORLEANS, LA – Mervin Bailey, 20, of New Orleans, is facing over a decade behind bars after being sentenced today for a pair of brazen carjackings and illegally brandishing a firearm during the commission of those crimes. The sentence, handed down by a federal judge, sends a clear message that violent street crime will not be tolerated.
According to court documents, Bailey first struck on June 3, 2021, carjacking a victim outside a residence in New Orleans. Less than four months later, on October 4, 2021, he attempted to carjack a Lyft driver, also within the city limits. In both instances, Bailey threatened his victims with a firearm, escalating the crimes beyond simple theft to dangerous felonies.
The sentencing breaks down as 63 months for each of the carjacking offenses, to be served concurrently. However, a consecutive 84-month term was added for the firearms charge – brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). This brings Bailey’s total imprisonment to a hefty 147 months.
Beyond the prison term, Bailey will also be subject to a three-year period of supervised release upon his eventual discharge. He is also required to pay a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee for each count of conviction – a small price to pay for the terror he inflicted on his victims.
Federal authorities are framing this case as a win for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans highlighted the program’s focus on community trust, prevention, and strategic enforcement. The investigation was spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Strauss of the Violent Crimes Unit.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in New Orleans and across the nation. This sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences facing those who choose to prey on others and wield firearms in the process.
Related Federal Cases
- Jaequan Bailey, Felon with Firearms, Louisiana 2024 · Colorado
- Jarren Lee, Illegal Firearms Possession, New Orleans LA, 2024 · Louisiana
- Laird Johnson, Firearms Offenses, New Orleans LA, 2024 · Louisiana
- David Coulter, Firearms Offense, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Maurice Butler, Firearms Offense, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Louisiana
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