A New Orleans resident, Sheldon Smith Sr., 59, has been indicted on federal drug and gun charges. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson following the unsealing of a three-count indictment on March 13, 2025.
The indictment alleges that on December 17, 2024, Smith possessed fentanyl and oxycodone with the intent to distribute. Additionally, he is accused of possessing two firearms—a Glock Model 19 nine-millimeter handgun and a Taurus Model G2C .40 caliber handgun—in connection with drug trafficking activities. Smith's prior conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year in prison in the Eastern District of Louisiana prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Smith faces several charges: Count 1 involves possession with intent to distribute controlled substances under Title 21 United States Code Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison, a $2 million fine, and six years of supervised release.
Count 2 charges him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under Title 18 United States Code Section 924(c)(1)(A). A conviction could result in five years to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, along with a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
Count 3 accuses Smith of illegal possession of multiple firearms due to his felony status. Conviction could lead to up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and guilt must be established beyond reasonable doubt.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation while Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams from the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through resources like the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).