Recardo Cartrell Pierce, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2023

SHREVEPORT, LA – Recardo Cartrell Pierce, 27, is headed back to federal prison after a jury found him guilty of illegally possessing a firearm, despite already being on release. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote handed down a 93-month (7 years, 9 months) sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, solidifying the message that repeat offenders will face serious consequences.

The case unfolded on May 21, 2022, when Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputies pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation. Pierce, a passenger in the vehicle driven by a female companion, attempted to conceal himself by slumping low in the backseat. A consented search revealed a Kel-Tec 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle stashed behind the driver’s seat – disturbingly, within Pierce’s immediate reach. The weapon wasn’t just present; it was loaded, with a round chambered and the safety switch disengaged, ready to fire.

ATF agents quickly joined the investigation, confirming the rifle was fully functional. But the real kicker? Pierce was already serving the tail end of a federal sentence for – you guessed it – being a felon in possession of a firearm. Convicted in 2018 for the same offense, he knowingly violated federal law by possessing another weapon. This wasn’t a mistake; it was a calculated risk that blew up in his face.

Prosecutors presented evidence at trial proving Pierce’s awareness of the restrictions placed upon him as a convicted felon. He knew he wasn’t allowed to possess any firearms or ammunition, yet he chose to keep a high-powered rifle readily accessible. The jury didn’t buy his defense, delivering a guilty verdict in January of this year. The courtroom scene was described by sources as tense, with Pierce showing little emotion.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Seth D. Reeg successfully prosecuted the case, built on the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. The collaboration between agencies demonstrates a commitment to keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them. This wasn’t just about a gun; it was about a pattern of disregard for the law.

The 93-month sentence sends a clear signal: Shreveport and Bossier City won’t tolerate repeat gun crimes. While the halfway house was intended to facilitate Pierce’s reintegration into society, his actions proved he wasn’t ready, or willing, to follow the rules. Now, he’ll have plenty of time to reflect on his choices from behind bars.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Sharee Bailey, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, New York 2024

Aug 6, 2020

Weapons

Chris Oliver, Dealing in Firearms Without a License, Arizona 2022

Apr 9, 2026

Weapons

Jahmar Frederick, Possession of a Firearm as a Felon, United States Virgin Islands 2024

Apr 18, 2026

Weapons

Dexter Howard, Brandishing a Firearm, Iowa 2021

Nov 19, 2021