Miguel Keelen, a 36-year-old resident of Harvey, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 75 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2025. Keelen was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This follows his guilty plea for violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), which pertains to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court documents reveal that Keelen possessed a firearm on December 11, 2023, at a Valero Gas Station in New Orleans. He displayed and drew a pistol from his waistband before concealing it and fleeing from the police. Due to previous felony convictions, Keelen was prohibited from possessing firearms.
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 Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, which emphasizes fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department conducted the investigation into this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger from the Violent Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.