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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearm at VA Hospital
A 20-year-old New Orleans man, Mekail Harris, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge stemming from a domestic dispute turned chaotic at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in New Orleans.
On April 12, 2019, Harris was being investigated by VA Hospital investigators after his girlfriend, an employee at the hospital, reported a domestic dispute. She expressed concern that Harris might return to the hospital with a firearm.
Responding investigators chased Harris on the hospital’s campus, where he fled from officers. A silver 9-millimeter handgun was recovered by VA investigators after Harris dropped it while running.
The guilty plea was made on September 3, 2019. Harris was sentenced to credit for time served and placed on probation for a period of 1-year imprisonment by Magistrate Judge Michael B. North.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer. The initiative focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of law enforcement officers at the Veterans Affairs Hospital and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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