In New Orleans, a 21-year-old man named Joshua Williams has been sentenced to over six years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, due to firearm possession in aid of drug trafficking. The sentence, delivered by Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown on March 27, 2025, also includes a $100 special assessment fee.
The conviction stems from a March 2025 plea agreement where Williams admitted to possessing firearms linked to drug trafficking, violating 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). The incident dates back to April 4, 2022, when New Orleans Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Williams's residence. During the search, officers found marijuana intended for sale, a digital scale, and two firearms—a Glock Model 22 and a Glock Model 19.
This sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement efforts with community initiatives. The program strives to foster trust, support community organizations, and focus enforcement tactics.
The investigation was conducted by the New Orleans Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman is handling the prosecution.