NEW ORLEANS, LA – Percy Smith, 43, of New Orleans, has confessed to illegally possessing firearms despite a prior felony conviction. Smith entered a guilty plea on July 20, 2023, to two counts of violating federal weapons laws, admitting he was caught with guns on June 19, 2021, and again on June 30, 2021. This isn’t a first offense; Smith’s criminal history disqualifies him from legally owning any firearms.
The charges stem from a federal indictment alleging violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Simply put, a convicted felon isn’t allowed to have guns, and Smith allegedly ignored that law twice within a two-week period. Federal prosecutors are building a case that paints Smith as a repeat offender with a blatant disregard for the law.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the guilty plea, signaling a firm stance against gun crime in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Smith is now facing a potential decade behind bars, along with a hefty fine of up to $250,000. If convicted, he’ll also be subject to up to three years of supervised release after serving his sentence, and will be required to pay a $100 special assessment fee for each count.
The case is being prosecuted under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative designed to bring together law enforcement at all levels to combat violent crime. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, emphasizing community trust, supporting local anti-violence groups, and focusing enforcement efforts on the most pressing threats.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, working in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department. According to sources within the ATF, Smith was identified as a potential threat through routine investigative work and subsequent surveillance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Inga Petrovich, of the Violent Crime Unit, is handling the prosecution, and is expected to push for the maximum sentence at the October 26, 2023 sentencing hearing.
While officials tout PSN as a success, critics argue that focusing solely on arrests and prosecutions doesn’t address the root causes of gun violence. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office maintains that taking illegal firearms out of the hands of convicted felons is a vital step in making New Orleans streets safer. Smith’s plea serves as a warning: possessing a firearm illegally will result in federal prosecution and potentially, a lengthy prison term.
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
