Janard Walton, a 41-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Gun Control Act. The plea was entered on March 12, 2025, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. This announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Court records reveal that law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Walton's residence on March 19, 2024. During the search, agents discovered a Springfield nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol wrapped in a towel inside a kitchen cabinet and approximately one and a half pounds of marijuana in the kitchen. Additionally, they found a hidden compartment under stairs leading to the second story containing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol and around $37,941 in U.S. currency. The Smith & Wesson firearm was confirmed as stolen.
Records indicated that Walton was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. Court documents showed he had at least five felony convictions, including a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Walton admitted guilt to being a felon in possession of the two firearms found during the March 19, 2024 search.
Judge Milazzo has scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2025. Walton faces up to fifteen years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, fines up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy under PSN focusing on community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Slidell Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is prosecuting the case as Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.