Joshua Williams, a 21-year-old from New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The plea was entered on December 12, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. This information was disclosed by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Court documents reveal that Williams sold marijuana in the New Orleans area using his Instagram accounts. He frequently shared images and videos on Instagram showing firearms, marijuana, and large sums of cash.
Law enforcement tracked a stolen GMC Sierra pickup truck to Williams's residence in New Orleans. During a search of his home, officers recovered two firearms—a Glock Model 22 and a Glock Model 19—both loaded with extended magazines, along with a large glass jar containing 75 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution. Williams used these firearms to further his drug trafficking activities.
Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, three years of supervised release, fines up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, the program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman from the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.