Derick Gettridge, a 27-year-old resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on December 17, 2024, by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges. The indictment against Gettridge included possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Gettridge received a total sentence of 63 months in prison—3 months for the drug charge and 60 months for the firearm charge—to be served consecutively. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to serve a four-year supervised release period and pay a $200 special assessment fee.
Court documents revealed that New Orleans Police Department officers stopped Gettridge for traffic violations. A search of his vehicle uncovered three digital scales, sandwich baggies, and two Glock pistols. Gettridge admitted to possessing these items as part of his narcotics trafficking activities. Officers also found $892 in cash on him.
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. The program focuses on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their work on this case. Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell from the Violent Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.