United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown has announced the sentencing of Joseph Carlton Etienne, a 40-year-old resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Etienne received a sentence of 71 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr.
Court documents revealed that on September 7, 2022, detectives from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office located Etienne at a Dollar General store due to outstanding warrants. Upon noticing law enforcement presence, Etienne attempted to flee but was apprehended and arrested. Officers discovered a Glock 9mm handgun and ammunition in his vehicle. Etienne has prior felony convictions including possession of controlled dangerous substances, resisting an officer, and attempted possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He was aware that he was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
In March 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Etienne for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on September 6, 2024, acknowledging his unlawful possession of the firearm and ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Casey N. Richmond prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between various levels of law enforcement and community stakeholders. PSN is part of the Department's focus on targeting violent criminals with locally based strategies to enhance neighborhood safety.