On March 25, 2025, Caresses Perique, 38, received a 92-month prison sentence for illegal firearm possession. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter after Perique's guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Following his prison term, Perique will undergo three years of supervised release.
The incident leading to Perique's conviction occurred on November 27, 2022, during the annual Lady Buck Jumpers second line, a parade in New Orleans. Police officers from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) were monitoring the event on Monroe Street when they observed Perique carrying a concealed firearm in his waistband. According to court documents, when approached, Perique moved his hands towards his waistband. Officers gained control and confiscated a loaded Ruger P95 nine-millimeter handgun from him, containing one live round in the chamber and nine in the magazine. Further investigation revealed Perique's prior felony convictions, which barred him from firearm possession.
The prosecution of this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust and legitimacy in communities. It seeks to support community-based organizations, establish focused enforcement priorities, and measure outcomes. Project Safe Neighborhoods involves collaboration between various levels of law enforcement and community members to enhance public safety.
The investigation was conducted by the NOPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy from the Violent Crime Unit responsible for the prosecution.