Terrance Richards, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2024

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Terrance Richards, 38, is headed to federal prison for a century after admitting he illegally possessed a firearm. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier handed down the 100-month sentence on January 4th, following Richards’ guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm – a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Richards will also face three years of supervised release after he’s released from prison and is required to pay a $100 special assessment fee.

The case stems from a shooting reported to the New Orleans Police Department on August 22, 2020. Officers responded to reports of gunfire in a New Orleans neighborhood. A joint investigation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) quickly identified Richards as one of the shooters.

This wasn’t Richards’ first brush with the law, or with firearm prohibitions. Court records show a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for attempted distribution of cocaine (2010), possession of cocaine (2010), and *another* charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm (2011). He was also convicted of distributing cocaine in 2012. These prior convictions should have barred him from owning or possessing any firearm, yet he did anyway.

Federal prosecutors are framing this case as a win for “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aiming to reduce violent crime through coordinated law enforcement efforts. The Department of Justice launched a revamped PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing community trust, support for local organizations, and focused enforcement.

The ATF and the New Orleans Police Department spearheaded the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution. While authorities tout PSN’s successes, the streets of New Orleans continue to see a steady flow of gun violence, raising questions about the program’s long-term effectiveness.

The 100-month sentence sends a message, but whether it’s enough to deter others remains to be seen. Richards’ case highlights the revolving door of crime that plagues many urban areas, and the challenges facing law enforcement in keeping illegal firearms off the streets. Grimy Times will continue to follow the impact of federal crackdowns on gun violence in New Orleans and beyond.

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