Michael Crawford, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA – In a shocking turn of events, Michael Crawford, a 27-year-old from New Orleans, pleaded guilty to violating federal gun control laws. The crime, which took place on an unspecified date, has left the community reeling.

According to court documents, Crawford exchanged gunfire with an individual at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Louisa Street and sustained gunshot wounds. Moments later, law enforcement encountered Crawford in possession of a firearm.

Crawford was prohibited from firearm possession because he was convicted of Possession of Tramadol in 2019. In pleading guilty, Crawford faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00. The defendant also faces a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

The Honorable Sarah S. Vance set sentencing in this matter for April 5, 2023. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is a program that aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, and setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities.

In related news, the U.S. Attorney's Office has launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

As the community continues to grapple with the consequences of this crime, one thing is clear: the need for effective gun control laws and community-based programs has never been more pressing.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/new-orleans-man-pleads-guilty-violating-federal-gun-control-act-7