Felon Nabbed with Auto-Firearm Gets 69 Months

New Orleans resident Shawn Breaux, 29, is headed to federal prison for nearly six years after a botched getaway following a shooting in the French Quarter. Breaux was sentenced to 69 months by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance, along with three years of supervised release and a $200 fine. The case, prosecuted by federal prosecutors, underscores the ongoing crackdown on illegal firearms in the city.

The trouble started on Carondelet Street when officers responded to reports of a shooting. Witnesses quickly identified Breaux as a fleeing suspect. A search revealed two firearms – one stashed in his vehicle, the other tossed aside during his attempt to escape. But it wasn’t just the possession of the guns that landed Breaux in hot water; one was rigged with a Glock switch, turning it into a fully automatic machine gun.

Federal prosecutors successfully argued that Breaux, already a convicted felon, was illegally in possession of both firearms. He was indicted on two counts: illegal firearm possession by a felon, and possession of an unregistered machine gun. He pleaded guilty to both, sealing his fate. The Glock switch, a cheap and readily available modification, has become a major concern for law enforcement nationwide, easily converting semi-automatic pistols into weapons of mass destruction.

The feds are framing this case as a win for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to cut down on violent crime and gun violence across the country. PSN focuses on collaboration between law enforcement and local communities, but critics argue it often relies on aggressive policing tactics that disproportionately impact marginalized neighborhoods. Regardless, the program provides a convenient label for the government to tout its efforts.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Both agencies contributed to gathering evidence and building the case against Breaux. While the NOPD faces its own internal struggles and scrutiny, their partnership with the FBI proved effective in this instance.

Breaux’s sentence sends a clear message: possessing illegal firearms, especially modified weapons, will not be tolerated. While it won’t solve the underlying issues driving gun violence in New Orleans, it’s another notch in the belt for federal prosecutors determined to take dangerous individuals off the streets. The feds say they’re committed to continuing these efforts under the PSN program.

This case highlights the ease with which individuals can convert legal firearms into illegal machine guns, posing a significant threat to public safety. The proliferation of Glock switches is a growing problem, and law enforcement agencies are struggling to keep pace with the modifications. The question remains whether simply locking up individuals like Breaux will truly address the root causes of gun violence in a city plagued by deep-seated issues.

The sentencing of Shawn Breaux is a stark reminder of the constant battle against illegal firearms and the dangers they pose. While the feds celebrate this conviction, the streets of New Orleans remain a battleground, and the cycle of violence continues. The effectiveness of programs like PSN will ultimately be measured by their long-term impact on the city’s crime rate, not just individual convictions.