NEW ORLEANS – Another iron in the streets, courtesy of a repeat offender. Shawn Rousell, 30, is facing federal charges after being caught with a loaded handgun despite a prior felony conviction, the Department of Justice announced today.
Rousell was indicted June 26, 2025, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The indictment details that Rousell was found to be in possession of a Glock Model 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun – and it wasn’t unloaded. The weapon was loaded with ammunition, adding fuel to the fire of an already dangerous situation.
Federal law explicitly prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Rousell’s past makes him ineligible, and now he’s staring down the barrel of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson was quick to note, however, that an indictment isn’t a conviction. The government still has to prove Rousell’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department, a pairing that signals a renewed push for coordinated law enforcement in the city. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright of the Financial Crimes Unit has been assigned to prosecute the case, suggesting the feds are taking this seriously.
This case isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative that sounds more like a political slogan than a crime-fighting strategy. The DOJ claims the operation aims to “repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities.” It’s a broad mandate, but the goal, at least on paper, is to streamline resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If found guilty, Rousell faces up to 15 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after his sentence, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. It’s a hefty price to pay for a loaded Glock, but in a city drowning in gun violence, it’s a message the feds are hoping will resonate. We’ll be following this case closely. * * *
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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