Roderick Williams, Firearms Violation, Louisiana 2024

Slidell Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Violating Federal Gun Control Act

New Orleans, LA - Roderick Williams, 27, of Slidell, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after pleading guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

This sentence comes after a series of incidents involving Williams and a firearm. On April 9, 2023, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers stopped a vehicle driven by Williams. During the stop, they obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and located a Glock Model 19, 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun in the trunk.

The handgun was loaded with one bullet in the chamber and carried an extended, 25-round magazine. This was not the first time Williams was found with a firearm. On April 28, 2023, investigators conducted video surveillance of the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Werner Drive, where they noted an unknown black male holding a firearm as he entered a convenience store.

NOPD officers were notified and entered the store, approaching Williams as he attempted to conceal the firearm in his waistband. After noticing the outline of the firearm, officers searched him and seized a Glock Model 26, 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun. Williams had previously been convicted of felonies that prohibited him from possessing firearms.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crimes Unit.

The defendant, Roderick Williams, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.

MANDATORY FACTS:

1. Defendant's Full Name: Roderick Williams

2. Exact Criminal Charges: Being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1)

3. City and State: New Orleans, LA

4. Exact Date: January 31, 2024

5. Sentence or Outcome: 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee

6. Dollar Amounts: $200

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/slidell-man-sentenced-violations-federal-gun-control-act