Leo Tate, a 31-year-old resident of New Orleans, has entered a guilty plea to charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The plea was made on December 11, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, as announced by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Court records reveal that Federal Bureau of Investigation agents stopped a vehicle in April 2024. Tate was an occupant and had an outstanding felony arrest warrant from Orleans Parish. Another man in the vehicle also faced a federal warrant for a DNA swab. Both attempted to flee upon being stopped but were quickly apprehended after exiting the vehicle. A search uncovered a Glock pistol with an extended magazine and a round in the chamber, which Tate admitted belonged to him. He also acknowledged awareness of his prohibition from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions.
Judge Milazzo has scheduled sentencing for January 30, 2025. Tate could face up to fifteen years imprisonment, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement agencies with communities they serve. The initiative emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation involved both the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, who serves as Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.