Pernell Deon Russell, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Louisiana 2022

SHREVEPORT, LA – Pernell Deon Russell, 25, is headed to federal prison after admitting to illegally packing heat despite a prior felony conviction. Russell was sentenced Wednesday to 60 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The bust went down after Shreveport Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at a Shreveport residence. Russell’s mother initially denied any firearms were on the property, but a quick conversation with her son, Pernell Deon Russell, changed that story. Russell confessed to owning a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, purchased on the street.

But the heat wasn’t the only thing Russell was hawking. Officers also discovered 388 grams of marijuana, which Russell admitted he intended to sell. This wasn’t his first rodeo with the law. Russell already had a felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute narcotics, a conviction that legally barred him from owning any firearms or ammunition.

The ATF joined Shreveport PD in the investigation, building a solid case that led to Russell pleading guilty on September 13, 2022. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Gaskins prosecuted the case, securing the 60-month sentence from U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr.

Federal officials are touting the case as a win for “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a revamped PSN strategy in May 2021, focusing on community trust, prevention, strategic enforcement, and measurable results.

Whether PSN can truly turn the tide in Shreveport’s crime-ridden neighborhoods remains to be seen. But for now, Pernell Deon Russell is off the streets, and one less illegal firearm is circulating. The Grimy Times will continue to track federal prosecutions and hold those who endanger our communities accountable.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Michael O'Neill, Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device, New York 2015

Jul 24, 2015

Weapons

Freddie Granger, Carjacking, New Mexico 2023

Apr 9, 2026

Weapons

Juan Santos Perez-Zavala, Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2019

May 3, 2019

Weapons

Miracle Star Vaughn, False Statements During Firearms Purchase, Iowa 2023

Apr 28, 2023