Mervyn Lucas, a 33-year-old resident of New Orleans, has been sentenced to 75 months in prison. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon on February 6, 2025. Lucas's sentence includes three years of supervised release and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee. He had previously pleaded guilty to several charges: possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a stolen car.
Court documents revealed that law enforcement traced an $80,000 Ford F-150 Raptor, stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, to Lucas's residence. The vehicle bore a fraudulent temporary license plate. Inside the residence, authorities found another fraudulent plate in an envelope addressed to Lucas. Additionally, over 10 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana intended for distribution were discovered at his home. A Romarm/Cugir Model Micro Draco AK-47-style firearm loaded with more than 40 rounds was also found and linked to his drug trafficking activities.
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 a strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations along with the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit is prosecuting the case.