NEW ORLEANS, LA – Tijon Richards, a/k/a “Tay,” 31, is headed to federal prison for nearly nine years after pleading guilty to a pair of federal firearms charges. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced Richards to 106 months – 46 months on one count and 60 months consecutively on another – for his role in illegal gun possession connected to drug trafficking.
The case began on September 16, 2020, when Louisiana State Police attempted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Metairie. Richards didn’t cooperate, fleeing the scene. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded FN Herstal 5.7x28mm firearm and two grams of crack cocaine stashed under the driver’s seat. Though he evaded capture initially, federal agents caught up with him in January 2021.
The arrest at his New Orleans residence yielded even more evidence. ATF agents discovered a distorted air conditioning vent concealing a high-capacity rifle magazine. A subsequent search warrant uncovered two additional firearms within the unit. Further investigation revealed a total of four firearms and ammunition illegally stored inside the home.
As a convicted felon, Richards was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i), and possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). He ultimately pled guilty to both counts.
Beyond the lengthy prison sentence, Richards will face five years of supervised release upon his eventual release. He’s also been ordered to pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit. The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police.
Federal officials framed the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of the program in May 2021, emphasizing community trust, support for local organizations, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. Whether those lofty goals translate to safer streets remains to be seen, but for now, one more illegal gun-toting felon is off the streets of New Orleans.
Related Federal Cases
- Jarren Lee, Illegal Firearms Possession, New Orleans LA, 2024 · Illinois
- Laird Johnson, Firearms Offenses, New Orleans LA, 2024 · California
- Terrance Richards, Firearm Offense, New Orleans LA, 2024 · Louisiana
- David Coulter, Firearms Offense, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Maurice Butler, Firearms Offense, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Louisiana
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
