Xavier Duhon, Illegal Machine Guns, New Orleans LA, 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Twenty-year-old Xavier Duhon is facing serious federal heat after being indicted on April 14, 2023, for illegally possessing two machine guns. The charge, brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, paints a picture of a dangerous situation unfolding on the streets of New Orleans.

According to the indictment, Duhon, a New Orleans resident, allegedly held onto the prohibited weapons without authorization. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), alongside the New Orleans Police Department and Louisiana State Police, conducted the investigation that led to these charges. Details surrounding how authorities initially became aware of Duhon’s possession remain tightly guarded.

If convicted, Duhon could be looking at a decade behind bars – a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. The potential financial fallout is also significant, with a possible fine of up to $250,000. Beyond that, he faces up to 3 years of supervised release following his prison term, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a heavy penalty reflecting the severity of possessing fully automatic weapons.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans was quick to point out the crucial legal standard: an indictment is merely an accusation. The prosecution bears the burden of proving Duhon’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The wheels of justice will now turn, with court dates and legal maneuvering expected in the coming weeks. This case will be closely watched, not just for its outcome, but for the precedent it sets regarding illegal firearms in the city.

The feds are framing this case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement at all levels and community organizations. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, focusing on building trust with communities, supporting preventative programs, and strategically prioritizing enforcement.

Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins, from the Violent Crimes Unit, is leading the prosecution. While authorities haven’t released further details about the specifics of the case, one thing is clear: the ATF, NOPD, and LSP are sending a message that illegal gun possession will not be tolerated. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the case progresses through the federal court system.

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