New Iberia Felon Gets 3 Years for Stolen Gun

LAFAYETTE, La. – Skyland Washington, 32, of New Iberia, is headed to federal prison for three years after being sentenced today for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. handed down the 36-month sentence, followed by two years of supervised release. Washington pled guilty to the charge way back on February 13, 2020 – the wheels of justice grind slowly, but they do grind.

The case stems from a June 12, 2017, single-vehicle wreck in New Iberia. When Iberia Parish Sheriff’s deputies and Louisiana State Troopers arrived on scene, they found Washington behind the wheel and a handgun at his feet. It didn’t take long to discover the weapon had been reported stolen. That, coupled with Washington’s lengthy rap sheet, sealed his fate.

Turns out, Washington wasn’t just joyriding. He already had two felony convictions in Iberia Parish: simple burglary and possession of cocaine, both from 2009. Federal law is clear: a convicted felon isn’t allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition. Washington apparently didn’t get the memo. Or didn’t care.

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), along with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police, built the case against Washington. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo handled the prosecution, pushing for the full sentence. This wasn’t a complex investigation, just solid police work connecting a known felon to an illegally possessed weapon.

This case is being touted as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime. The feds claim it brings together law enforcement and communities, but it’s really just a fancy name for doing what cops are *supposed* to do: keep the streets safe. You can find more info on PSN at www.justice.gov/psn.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is busy celebrating its 150th anniversary. They’re patting themselves on the back for 150 years of… well, justice. You can read all about their history at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. But down in New Iberia, folks are probably more concerned with keeping stolen guns off the streets, and keeping repeat offenders like Skyland Washington locked up where they belong.