NEW ORLEANS – Brandon Turner, 39, of New Orleans, is facing serious federal charges after a January raid turned up a stash of narcotics and an illegal firearm. Turner was indicted June 14, 2024, according to U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, and now stands accused of turning the Crescent City into a distribution hub for deadly drugs.
The indictment lays out three counts against Turner. Count One alleges possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically fentanyl and cocaine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). Count Two charges him with possessing a firearm – a Glock Model 43, 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol – while engaged in drug trafficking, violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Adding insult to injury, Count Three claims Turner, a convicted felon, illegally possessed both the firearm and ammunition, a breach of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
If convicted on all counts, Turner could spend the rest of his life behind bars. Count One carries a minimum 5-year sentence, potentially escalating to 40 years, alongside a potential $5,000,000 fine and at least 4 years of supervised release. Count Two is even more severe, threatening a minimum 5-year term, potentially reaching life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release. Count Three adds up to 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. A $100 mandatory special assessment fee will be levied for each count, should he be found guilty.
The bust went down January 30, 2024, when law enforcement executed a search warrant on Turner’s apartment. Inside, they reportedly discovered a “detectable amount” of both fentanyl and cocaine, along with ammunition and the aforementioned Glock. Sources close to the investigation suggest Turner had been under surveillance for some time, suspected of narcotics trafficking within the city.
This case is being touted as a win for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at curbing violent crime and gun violence through collaborative law enforcement efforts. The Department of Justice recently reaffirmed its commitment to PSN, emphasizing community trust, violence prevention programs, and strategic enforcement as cornerstones of the program. Whether this initiative truly addresses the root causes of crime or simply sweeps it under the rug remains to be seen.
U.S. Attorney Evans was quick to remind the public that an indictment is not a conviction. “The guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” he stated. The investigation was a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit is handling the prosecution. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
RELATED: Crash for Cash: NOLA Lawyers Guilty
RELATED: NOLA Duo Caught with Machine Gun, Facing Decades in Federal Prison
Related Federal Cases
- Memphis Pimp ‘Nino’ Admits to New Orleans Sex Trafficking · Louisiana
- New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Tax Fraud · Louisiana
- Orleans School Board Member Ira Thomas Charged with Bribery · Louisiana
- 28 Kilos & Counting: Texas Duo Busted with Cocaine · North Carolina
- New Orleans Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
