NEW ORLEANS, LA – Michael Crawford, 27, of New Orleans, is headed to federal prison for 86 months after being convicted of possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction. The sentencing, handed down yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Darrel James Papillion, underscores the ongoing federal crackdown on illegal gun possession in a city plagued by violence.
The case stemmed from a shooting incident at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Louisa Street. According to court documents, Crawford exchanged gunfire with another individual, sustaining gunshot wounds himself. Responding officers quickly located Crawford in possession of a firearm that ballistics tests confirmed was used in the shooting. The weapon became evidence in a case that would send Crawford away for over seven years.
Crawford’s criminal history disqualified him from legally owning a firearm. He had been previously convicted of Possession of Tramadol in 2019 – a conviction that triggered the federal law prohibiting him from possessing weapons under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The details reveal a pattern of disregard for the law, culminating in a substantial prison sentence.
Judge Papillion didn’t stop at incarceration. In addition to the 86-month prison term, Crawford will also serve three years of supervised release following his release. A mandatory $100 special assessment fee was also levied, adding financial penalty to the punishment. The judge’s decision sends a clear message: illegal gun possession will not be tolerated.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans highlighted the collaborative effort that brought Crawford to justice, praising the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through focused enforcement and community partnerships. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, prioritizing trust-building, community support, and strategic enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit led the prosecution. The conviction of Crawford serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of firearm-related offenses in New Orleans and the federal commitment to tackling gun violence through sustained law enforcement efforts. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing battle against violent crime in the city.
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