Tyronne Smothers, a 41-year-old New Orleans resident, has been indicted on multiple charges related to gun and drug trafficking.
According to a federal indictment, Smothers was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and one count of 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 alleges that Smothers was found in possession of multiple firearms, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, with the intent to distribute. The defendant is also accused of possessing the firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense.
As a result of his previous felony convictions in Orleans Parish, Smothers is prohibited from possessing a firearm. If convicted, Smothers faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three years of supervised release for the charge of possession with intent to distribute. For the charge of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. If convicted of the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Smothers faces a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and the community.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department, with assistance from the Violent Crime Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn.
According to U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, the indictment is merely a charge, and the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment was filed on August 4, 2023, and unsealed on September 1, 2023. The crime occurred on May 17, 2023. Smothers is currently facing the charges mentioned above.
Related Federal Cases
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- Michael John Pereira, Possession of a Firearm in a Drug Trafficking… · Texas
- Keith Foster, Heroin and Gun Conspiracy, Louisiana 2015 · Louisiana
- Myron Chevelle Hart, Violent Drug Trafficking, LA 2023 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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