COVINGTON, LA – Michael Malone, 38, of Covington, Louisiana, is headed to federal prison after a late-night traffic stop uncovered a staggering arsenal. On January 10, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced Malone to 82 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing 33 firearms.
The case unfolded on February 3, 2022, when St. Tammany Parish deputies responded to a potential burglary at the 434 Mini Storage on Highway 434 in Lacombe. Deputies found Malone’s silver Toyota Highlander parked in front of the facility. While questioning Malone’s girlfriend, who claimed he was inside a storage unit, officers heard a gun being cocked. Upon opening the unit, they discovered Malone in possession of one firearm, with another 32 located inside.
Malone’s criminal history quickly surfaced. He was already on probation and had prior convictions for two counts of possession of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy), simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, and two additional counts of simple burglary. The possession of firearms, given his felony convictions, automatically violated federal law – specifically Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). He was indicted on a single count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit, secured the conviction and pushed for a significant sentence. While the court didn’t impose a fine, Malone will be required to pay a $100 special assessment fee. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office jointly investigated the case, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between federal and local law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans framed the prosecution as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. PSN emphasizes community partnerships and strategic enforcement, with the goal of creating safer neighborhoods. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, focusing on fostering trust, supporting community organizations, and measuring results.
The sheer number of firearms seized – 33 in total – raises questions about Malone’s intentions. While authorities haven’t detailed a specific plot, the scale of the collection, combined with his prior criminal record, paints a picture of a dangerous individual now removed from the streets. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of illegal gun possession for convicted felons, and the commitment of federal and local agencies to enforce gun control laws.
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