Ricky Wilson, Arson, Louisiana 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Ricky Wilson, 29, of New Orleans, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted on May 5th for arson and possession of homemade incendiary devices. The indictment, unsealed today, alleges Wilson violated the National Firearms Act, bringing a potential fifteen-year sentence looming over his head.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Wilson is charged in Count One with arson, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i)(1). Count Two accuses him of possessing destructive devices – specifically, Molotov cocktails – in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d). The feds aren’t playing around with this one.

If convicted on the arson charge, Wilson could face a minimum of five years and a maximum of fifteen years in federal prison, along with a hefty fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. The possession of destructive devices charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and another three years of supervised release. Both counts include a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, adding insult to injury.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans was quick to point out that the indictment is merely an accusation and Wilson is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. That’s standard legal boilerplate, but it doesn’t lessen the gravity of the charges. The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, suggesting a coordinated response to a potentially dangerous situation.

This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in 2021, focusing on building trust within communities, supporting local anti-violence organizations, and strategically prioritizing enforcement. Whether this program is actually making a difference on the streets is another story, but it’s the justification being used here.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller, of the Violent Crimes Unit, is handling the prosecution. Expect a protracted legal battle, and Grimy Times will be there to document every twist and turn. Wilson’s next court date has not been announced, but we’ll be tracking it closely. The streets of New Orleans are already tough enough without someone lighting things up with Molotov cocktails.

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