Rhobahis Holmes, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Rhobahis Holmes, also known as “Wild Card,” is headed to federal prison for a decade after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan handed down the 120-month sentence on January 10, 2023, for two counts of violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The sentences will run concurrently, and Holmes will face three years of supervised release upon his eventual freedom. He’s also on the hook for a $200 special assessment fee.

The case stems from an incident on July 22, 2020, where Holmes was spotted openly handling a firearm while allegedly conducting drug transactions in the 1700 block of Monroe Street. NOPD officers observed Holmes adjusting the weapon during what appeared to be street-level deals. A subsequent traffic stop yielded a Smith and Wesson firearm recovered from inside the vehicle.

This wasn’t a simple possession case. Holmes, a convicted felon, had no legal right to own or carry a firearm. The ATF and the New Orleans Police Department worked together to build the case, highlighting the ongoing effort to get guns out of the hands of those prohibited from possessing them. Sources within the investigation suggest Holmes has a lengthy record, making him a prime target for federal prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans touted the sentence as a win for “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program emphasizes collaboration between all levels of law enforcement and community engagement. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, focusing on trust-building, community support, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. However, critics argue these programs often disproportionately impact minority communities.

Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel, of the Violent Crime Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case. The ATF New Orleans Field Division led the investigation, with significant support from NOPD detectives. The Bureau remains tight-lipped about potential connections between Holmes and other criminal enterprises, fueling speculation about the scope of his activities.

Holmes’ sentence sends a clear message: illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon carries serious consequences. While the feds celebrate this conviction under the PSN banner, the streets of New Orleans remain plagued by gun violence. Whether this one conviction will make a dent in the city’s ongoing crisis remains to be seen, but authorities are hoping it will deter others from similar criminal behavior.

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