HARVEY, LOUISIANA – Shawn Rabathaly, 22, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 46 months for illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan handed down the sentence on June 6, 2023, adding three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment fee to the penalty. The sentence will run consecutively with any punishment Rabathaly receives in a separate case pending in the 24th Judicial District Court of Louisiana, where he faces the same charge.
The case stems from an August 5, 2021 incident where Jefferson Parish detectives spotted Rabathaly exiting his Harvey residence. They observed him removing an Anderson Model AM-15, 5.56 caliber rifle, from his vehicle’s trunk and placing it inside. A subsequent traffic stop revealed the rifle in plain view within the passenger compartment. As a convicted felon, Rabathaly was legally prohibited from possessing any firearm.
Detectives immediately arrested Rabathaly following the discovery. The charge against him was a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) – being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rabathaly eventually pleaded guilty to the offense, acknowledging his unlawful possession of the weapon. The quick action by local law enforcement and subsequent federal prosecution demonstrates a commitment to keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of those legally barred from owning them.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans highlighted that this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. PSN brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address these issues at the community level. The program emphasizes building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically prioritizing enforcement efforts.
Evans praised the collaborative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Louisiana State Police, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit prosecuted the case, securing the 46-month sentence for Rabathaly. This conviction sends a clear message that illegal gun possession will not be tolerated.
The Rabathaly case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in the Eastern District of Louisiana and across the nation. While the federal sentence is complete, Rabathaly still faces potential penalties in state court for the identical charge. Grimy Times will continue to follow the developments of this case and other federal crimes impacting the region.
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