Odis L. Taylor, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Louisiana 2023

SHREVEPORT, LA – Odis L. Taylor, 33, is headed to federal prison for over twelve years after being sentenced for being a convicted felon illegally carrying a firearm. U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter handed down the 145-month sentence (12 years, one month) followed by three years of supervised release. The case highlights the persistent threat posed by repeat offenders and the ongoing efforts to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

The trouble began January 26, 2021, when Shreveport Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a report near the intersection of Mable and Darien Streets. They discovered multiple .40 caliber shell casings near a local business, suggesting a recent shooting. Less than two weeks later, on February 4, 2021, officers again encountered Taylor near Bringhurst Drive. This time, a search revealed a Glock Model 23 Gen 4, .40 caliber pistol in plain view under the driver’s seat of his vehicle. A subsequent search warrant turned up a box of ammunition, an extra magazine, and a smartphone.

Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took possession of the Glock and ran it through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). The results were damning: the weapon matched the shell casings recovered from the January 26th crime scene. Further forensic analysis confirmed Taylor’s DNA was present on the firearm, solidifying the connection between him and the earlier incident. This wasn’t a simple possession case; the evidence suggested a direct link to potential criminal activity.

Taylor’s criminal history is extensive. Court records show numerous felony convictions in Caddo Parish, including first-degree robbery in 2010, attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2014, and domestic abuse battery and cruelty to juveniles in 2019. Despite these prior convictions, Taylor knowingly violated federal law by possessing a firearm and ammunition. He was indicted on March 23, 2022, and ultimately pleaded guilty on January 24, 2023, to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The case was a joint effort between ATF and the Shreveport Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuting. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime by fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities. The program focuses on targeting violent criminals and developing localized strategies to enhance public safety.

While the 12-plus year sentence offers a temporary reprieve for Shreveport residents, the underlying issues of repeat offending and illegal gun possession remain a significant challenge. Federal authorities continue to emphasize the importance of proactive policing and robust prosecution to deter criminals and protect communities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on the ongoing battle against violent crime in Louisiana and beyond.

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