NEW ORLEANS, LA – A brazen shooting on the Crescent City Connection bridge led to a guilty plea from 21-year-old Xavier Duhon, who admitted to possessing illegal machine guns. The incident, which occurred on March 23, 2023, saw Duhon open fire on another vehicle while traveling eastbound on the bridge, sparking a chaotic pursuit that ended with his arrest.
According to federal prosecutors, the trouble began following a traffic collision. Rather than exchange information, Duhon allegedly discharged a firearm at the other vehicle. When law enforcement attempted a traffic stop, Duhon didn’t comply, leading officers on a high-speed chase that transitioned into a foot pursuit. He was apprehended in the 900 block of Magazine Street, but not before abandoning a vehicle potentially containing evidence.
The subsequent investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police revealed the source of the gunfire: two pistols, each fitted with a device converting them into fully automatic machine guns. This discovery led to Duhon being charged with possession of a machine gun, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). The feds aren’t messing around with illegal modifications.
On October 3, 2023, Duhon formally pled guilty to the superseding bill of information. He now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release following his incarceration. A mandatory $100 special assessment fee will also be levied. Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2024, giving the U.S. Attorney’s Office time to build their case for a substantial penalty.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans highlighted that this case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN program in 2021, focusing on community trust, preventative measures, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. Whether that translates to safer streets remains to be seen.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is leading the prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing, providing updates as they become available. This incident underscores the ongoing battle against illegal firearms and the dangers they pose to the citizens of New Orleans and beyond.
Related Federal Cases
- Xavier Duhon, Machine Gun Possession, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- New Orleans Man Sentenced 87 Months for Machine Gun Possession · Illinois
- Keaton Manghane, Machine Gun Possession, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Tennessee
- Xavier Duhon, Illegal Machine Guns, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Kody Severin, Machine Gun Conversion Device Possession, LA 2023 · Illinois
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