Bryan Spears, a 21-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to illegal firearm possession. The plea was entered on March 12, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance. Spears admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm, violating Title 18 of the United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
Court documents reveal that on September 1, 2023, Spears was found in the front passenger seat of a stolen vehicle at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans. After police ordered him out of the car, officers from the New Orleans Police Department discovered a Glock Model 17 firearm partially concealed under his seat. The weapon had an extended magazine and was loaded with 29 live rounds.
Spears faces up to 15 years in prison along with potential fines reaching $250,000. He may also receive up to three years of supervised release and will be required to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit is leading the prosecution.