NEW ORLEANS, LA – Renaldo Ruffin, 30, of New Orleans, will spend the next ten years in a federal prison cell after being sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, federal authorities announced Wednesday. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry, reflects a hard line against repeat offenders and gun crime in a city plagued by violence.
Ruffin pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, violations of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Court records show that on or about August 30, 2020, Ruffin was found with a Glock Model 23, .40 S&W caliber semiautomatic handgun. Less than two years later, on January 24, 2022, he was again caught with illegal weaponry – this time, 5.56 caliber ammunition.
Judge Guidry didn’t mince words, imposing the statutory maximum of ten years imprisonment on each count, to be served concurrently. The sentence sends a clear message: criminals with prior convictions will not be allowed to arm themselves and further endanger the public. Ruffin will also be subject to three years of supervised release following his incarceration, and has been ordered to pay $200 in mandatory special assessment fees.
Federal authorities are framing the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN),” a broad initiative designed to unite law enforcement at all levels with local communities to combat violent crime. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategic enforcement.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller led the prosecution, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to taking gun crime seriously in Louisiana.
While authorities tout PSN’s success, critics point to the continued flow of illegal firearms onto New Orleans streets. This sentence, however, represents a momentary win in a long and ongoing battle against gun violence, and a warning to others who believe they can operate outside the law. Ruffin’s decade behind bars is a testament to the consequences of choosing a life of crime.
Related Federal Cases
- Darren Ruffin, Gun Possession, LA 2017 · Louisiana
- New Orleans Man Sentenced 87 Months for Machine Gun Possession · Illinois
- Darron Blue, Gun Possession, New Orleans LA, 2024 · Illinois
- Anthony Thomas, Illegal Gun Possession, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Illinois
- Keilen Hawkins, Gun Possession, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Illinois
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons