U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans has announced the sentencing of Johnnie Hagans, 32, following his guilty plea to multiple federal charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier on January 30, 2025.
Hagans faced several charges: possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stem from violations of Title 21 and Title 18 of the United States Code.
Judge Barbier sentenced Hagans to 157 months in prison for all counts, with some sentences running concurrently and others consecutively. Additionally, Hagans will serve three years of supervised release and pay a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case began on January 23, 2024, when New Orleans Police Department officers observed Hagans engaging in drug sales at a Valero gas station. Officers identified a firearm in Hagans's waistband during their surveillance. After fleeing from officers, Hagans discarded a Ruger Model LCPII pistol, which was later recovered.
Further investigation led officers to search a Nissan Rogue SUV linked to Hagans at the gas station parking lot. Inside the vehicle, they found another firearm and cocaine. A subsequent search of Hagans's residence uncovered additional firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes trust-building within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, strategic enforcement priorities, and result measurement.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department for their work on this case. Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell from the Violent Crime Unit prosecuted the case.