In a significant development, a 43-year-old man from New Orleans, DANQUELL MILLER, pleaded guilty to federal gun and drug charges on August 3, 2023. The charges include one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILLER could face a sentence of not less than five years and not more than life in prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000. MILLER was apprehended by the New Orleans Police Department after a foot chase, during which he discarded a firearm and various illegal narcotics. This case falls under the purview of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country. The investigation was conducted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department, with the prosecution being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.
Title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug Charges
Overview
In a recent case in New Orleans, Louisiana, a man named Danquell Miller has pleaded guilty to federal gun and drug charges. Miller, a 43-year-old resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) carries severe penalties, including a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New Orleans Police Department, in addressing drug-related crimes and gun violence in the city.
Introduction
Federal gun and drug charges are serious offenses that carry severe penalties. In this particular case, Danquell Miller, a resident of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This article will provide an overview of the case, including details of Miller’s guilty plea, the potential penalties he may face, and the importance of initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods in reducing violent crime and gun violence.
Guilty Plea
On August 3, 2023, Danquell Miller pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The guilty plea indicates that Miller acknowledges his involvement in possessing a firearm in connection with his participation in drug trafficking activities. By pleading guilty, Miller has accepted responsibility for his actions, which will have implications for the sentencing phase of the case.
Penalties
The crime of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries significant penalties. If convicted, Miller faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison, up to a maximum of life imprisonment. In addition to the prison term, he may also be subjected to a fine of up to $250,000.00 dollars, a term of supervised release not exceeding 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. These penalties emphasize the seriousness of federal gun and drug charges and serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Case Details
Defendant Information
The defendant in this case is Danquell Miller, a 43-year-old resident of New Orleans, Louisiana. Miller was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime after a foot chase with the New Orleans Police Department.
Arrest and Seizure
According to public records, Miller was apprehended by New Orleans Police Department officers after a foot chase. During the pursuit, Miller discarded a firearm and several types of illegal narcotics. The arrest and seizure of these items form a crucial part of the evidence against Miller in the case.
Charges
The charges filed against Miller include one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). This charge reflects the serious nature of the offense and highlights the connection between firearms and drug-related criminal activities.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Program Information
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the United States. The program brings together law enforcement agencies at all levels to collaborate and implement strategies that target high-violence areas and individuals involved in criminal activities. Through PSN, law enforcement agencies work alongside community organizations to prevent violence, set strategic enforcement priorities, and measure the outcomes of their efforts.
Goals and Principles
One of the key goals of Project Safe Neighborhoods is to foster trust and legitimacy within communities. By building strong relationships with community members, law enforcement agencies can gain valuable information and cooperation that aids in addressing and preventing violent crimes. The program also focuses on supporting community-based organizations that work towards preventing violence from occurring in the first place. Additionally, PSN emphasizes creating focused and strategic enforcement priorities to effectively combat violent crime and gun violence.
Investigation and Prosecution
Agencies Involved
The investigation and prosecution of the case against Danquell Miller involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a significant role in gathering evidence and building a case against Miller. The New Orleans Police Department also contributed to the investigation by apprehending Miller and seizing the firearm and narcotics during his arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Handling the Case
The prosecution of Danquell Miller’s case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit. Landrieu’s expertise in prosecuting narcotics-related crimes will be instrumental in ensuring that justice is served and that appropriate penalties are imposed in this case.
Conclusion
The guilty plea of Danquell Miller to federal gun and drug charges highlights the enforcement efforts of law enforcement agencies in New Orleans. Through initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods, these agencies work together to reduce violent crime and gun violence, ultimately creating safer neighborhoods for all residents. The penalties associated with federal gun and drug charges serve as a strong deterrent against engaging in such criminal activities. The successful investigation and prosecution of this case underscore the commitment of law enforcement to uphold the law and protect the community from harm.
References
- “New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug Charges.” U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of Louisiana. Updated August 8, 2023.
- Project Safe Neighborhoods – Department of Justice.
- Contact information for U.S. Attorney’s Office.