SHREVEPORT, LA – Recardo Cartrell Pierce, 26, is facing serious time after a federal jury found him guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The conviction, handed down late yesterday, marks the second time Pierce has been convicted of the same offense in federal court, raising questions about repeat offender sentencing.
The bust originated from a routine traffic stop on May 21, 2022, conducted by Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputies. Pierce was riding as a passenger when deputies noticed he’d slunk low in his seat, almost disappearing into the back. Consent to search the vehicle revealed a Kel-Tec 5.56 caliber rifle tucked behind the driver’s seat, squarely within Pierce’s reach. The weapon wasn’t just present; it was loaded, with a round chambered and the safety off – ready to fire.
ATF agents quickly joined the investigation, confirming the rifle was fully functional. What sealed Pierce’s fate, however, was his criminal history. Records revealed prior felony convictions that explicitly barred him from owning any firearms or ammunition. Deputies arrested him on the spot, and the case was swiftly turned over to federal prosecutors.
U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown hailed the collaborative effort between the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office and the ATF. “Through the joint investigative efforts…the jury was able to hear and evaluate the evidence, deliberate and convict this defendant accordingly,” Brown stated, signaling a push for a harsh sentence. The U.S. Attorney’s office intends to request a significant prison term when Pierce is sentenced.
Pierce now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. A fine of up to $250,000 could also be levied. Given his repeat offense, legal experts suggest a substantial sentence is likely, though the judge retains discretion. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 19, 2023.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Seth D. Reeg are prosecuting the case. The conviction highlights the ongoing federal crackdown on illegal firearm possession, particularly by individuals with prior criminal records, a persistent problem in Louisiana and across the nation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigating agencies.
Related Federal Cases
- Recardo Pierce, Illegal Firearm Possession, Shreveport LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Recardo Cartrell Pierce, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, LA 2024 · Louisiana
- Devoris Hardy, Illegal Firearm Possession, Shreveport LA, 2024 · Louisiana
- Christopher Hutton, Illegal Firearm Possession, Hammond IN, 2023 · Illinois
- Shawn D’Anthony Brown, Illegal Firearm Possession, LA 2024 · Illinois
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