A 35-year-old New Orleans man is facing federal charges for his alleged involvement in a marijuana distribution ring and illegal possession of firearms.
Shane Bolden, 35, of New Orleans, was charged on May 23, 2024, in a four-count indictment with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.
Bolden is charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846. He is charged in Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 3 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). He is charged in Count 4 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The indictment also includes a notice of forfeiture requiring Bolden to forfeit over $100,000 in cash and nine firearms.
According to court documents, on or about April 8, 2024, Bolden allegedly conspired with others to knowingly possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. Also, Bolden allegedly illegally possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, all while being prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction in the state of Louisiana.
The charges carry serious consequences. As to each of the drug trafficking charges in Counts 1 and 2, Bolden faces up to five years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least two years of supervised release. As to the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in Count 3, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to the felon in possession offense charged in Count 4, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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