On April 1, 2025, Henry Mitchell, 25, and Jaylan Washington, 29, former residents of New Orleans, pled guilty to drug and gun charges before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced their guilty pleas on charges contained in a previously returned indictment.
Mitchell and Washington admitted to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute various drugs including marihuana, Fentanyl, tapentadol, and tramadol. Mitchell also pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute these drugs, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a machine gun. Washington faced similar charges, guilty of possession with intent to distribute marihuana and tapentadol, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a machine gun.
Each offense carries a possible sentence which includes imprisonment of up to 20 years, fines up to $1,000,000, and supervised release for at least three years. Both men also face a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Sentencing is scheduled for July 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and both remain detained without bond.
Court documents reveal that Mitchell and Washington were openly selling controlled substances in the Seventh Police District of New Orleans. The FBI Violent Task Officers were alerted by citizen complaints, leading to an operation with the New Orleans Police Department that resulted in their arrest and the recovery of drugs, firearms, and "Glock switches," which convert semi-automatic weapons to fully automatic.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence, enhancing safety in communities. Launched by the Department on May 26, 2021, the strategy focuses on trust-building, supporting preventive community-based organizations, strategic enforcement priorities, and outcome measurement.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller is overseeing the prosecution.