In a recent indictment, Gerard Turner, a 20-year-old resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, has been charged with federal gun and drug offenses. The charges include being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a machinegun, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Turner faces significant prison terms, substantial fines, and supervised release. The indictment is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney David Berman is responsible for the prosecution.
Summary
Gerard Turner, a 20-year-old resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, has been indicted on federal gun and drug offenses. The four-count indictment includes charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a machinegun, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Each count carries its own penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and supervised release. The case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney David Berman is leading the prosecution.
Background
New Orleans has faced ongoing challenges with violent crime and drug trafficking. In an effort to combat these issues and make communities safer, the federal government has implemented initiatives like the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. This program brings together law enforcement agencies and community organizations to address violent crime and gun violence through targeted enforcement and community engagement.
Indictment Details
Count 1: Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition
Gerard Turner is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. This charge is a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). If convicted, Turner faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
Count 2: Possession of a Machinegun
Turner is also charged with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). The maximum penalties for this offense include a term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
Count 3: Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
The indictment accuses Turner of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D). If convicted on this count, Turner could be sentenced to a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least two years of supervised release.
Count 4: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
In addition, Turner is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other sentences imposed. The maximum penalties for this count include a $250,000 fine and up to five years of supervised release.
Penalties
The penalties for each count in the indictment vary, depending on the specific charge. Count 1, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Count 2, possession of a machinegun, carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Count 3, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least two years of supervised release. Count 4, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. In addition, each count carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program
Overview of PSN
The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program is an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the United States. It brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as community organizations, to collaborate on strategies to combat crime. By focusing on the most violent offenders and employing evidence-based practices, PSN works to ensure the safety of communities and improve the quality of life for residents.
Strategy to Reduce Violent Crime and Gun Violence
PSN utilizes a comprehensive approach to address violent crime and gun violence. This strategy includes several key components:
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Fostering trust and legitimacy in communities: Building strong relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve is crucial in addressing crime. PSN encourages law enforcement to engage with residents and work collaboratively to develop solutions.
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Supporting community-based organizations: Prevention is a vital component of reducing crime. PSN supports community organizations that work to prevent violence before it occurs. By providing resources and support to these organizations, PSN aims to create safer environments for all.
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Setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities: PSN identifies the most violent offenders and focuses law enforcement efforts on apprehending and prosecuting them. This targeted approach helps disrupt criminal networks and remove dangerous individuals from communities.
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Measuring results: PSN is committed to evaluating the effectiveness of its initiatives. By measuring the impact of various strategies and interventions, PSN can make data-driven decisions and allocate resources where they are most needed.
Investigation and Prosecution
Federal Bureau of Investigation Involvement
The investigation into Gerard Turner’s alleged federal gun and drug offenses was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI plays a crucial role in enforcing federal laws and investigating complex criminal cases. Their involvement in this case underscores the seriousness of the charges and the federal government’s commitment to combating violent crime and drug trafficking.
Assistant United States Attorney David Berman
Assistant United States Attorney David Berman, a member of the Violent Crimes Unit, is leading the prosecution of Gerard Turner. As a federal prosecutor, Berman will present the government’s case and work to ensure that justice is served. Prosecutors like Berman play a vital role in upholding the law and protecting communities from dangerous criminals.
Contact Information
For more information about the case or the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, interested individuals can contact Shane Jones, the Community Outreach Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana. Jones can provide additional details and answer any questions regarding the indictment and its implications.
Updates and Related Content
The U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana has provided updates and additional content related to the case of Gerard Turner. These include press releases regarding the sentencing of individuals in similar federal weapons and drug offenses cases. Interested parties can access this information to stay informed about the progress of the prosecution and the outcomes of similar cases.
About Eastern District of Louisiana
The Eastern District of Louisiana is a region within the United States Department of Justice. The district is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and enforcing federal laws in the area, which includes New Orleans and the surrounding communities. Through its various programs and initiatives, the Eastern District of Louisiana aims to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and safety of its residents.