NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A New Orleans man has been charged with federal drug and gun offenses, announced Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Sheldon Smith Sr., 59, of New Orleans, was charged in a recently unsealed three-count indictment on March 13, 2025, with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the filed indictment, on or about December 17, 2024, Sheldon Smith Sr. possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone.
Sheldon Smith Sr. was also charged with possessing two firearms, a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter handgun and a Taurus Model G2C, .40 caliber handgun, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The defendant was previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year in the Eastern District of Louisiana, which prohibited him from possessing those firearms.
Sheldon Smith Sr. faces up to 30 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,000,000, and up to six years of supervised release if convicted of Count 1 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.
He also faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release following imprisonment if convicted of Count 2 for Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Additionally, Sheldon Smith Sr. faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release if convicted of Count 3 for possessing firearms while having previously been convicted of a felony.
The defendant also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Sheldon Smith Sr., Defendant, Age 59, New Orleans, LA
Criminal Charges: Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Possessing Firearms after a Felony Conviction
Date: December 17, 2024
Sentence: Up to 30 years imprisonment, fine of up to $2,000,000, and up to six years of supervised release
This article does not imply guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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