A New Orleans man, Joshua Williams, has been sentenced to 75 months in prison for firearm possession linked to drug trafficking, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Williams, 21, must also undergo five years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment fee. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
Court records reveal that on April 4, 2022, New Orleans Police executed a search warrant at Williams's home, finding marijuana intended for sale, a digital scale, and two firearms—a Glock Model 22 and a Glock Model 19. These were in Williams's possession to support his drug distribution activities.
The case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence while promoting community safety. This program was reinforced on May 26, 2021, when the Department of Justice introduced a strategy focusing on community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, strategic enforcement priorities, and performance measurement.
The investigation was carried out by the New Orleans Police Department alongside the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.