RODNEY LAVALAIS, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2018

New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm Charge

RODNEY LAVALAIS, a 32-year-old New Orleans resident, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a federal crime that prohibits individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes from possessing firearms after being convicted.

According to court documents, LAVALAIS was arrested on November 3, 2016, as a result of a multi-agency investigation conducted by the Kenner Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers learned of LAVALAIS when he was observed as the get-away driver of a vehicle transporting an escort who stole money from a Kenner Police Department detective, during a sting operation. Detectives conducted a search of the car being operated by LAVALAIS and located a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun inside of the car.

Detectives also conducted a search of LAVALAIS's phone and found a video of LAVALAIS at a local fire range, firing a gun that is believed to be the same gun that was discovered inside of the car.

Judge Lance Africk will sentence LAVALAIS on June 28, 2018. LAVALAIS faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for the offense.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Kenner Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/new-orleans-man-pleads-guilty-felon-possession-firearm-charge