Darnell D. Lee, a 26-year-old resident of New Orleans, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for firearm violations. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon handed down the sentence on April 24, 2025, after Lee pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). In addition to the prison term, Lee will be on supervised release for three years following his imprisonment and must pay a $100 special assessment fee. His sentence will run consecutively with terms imposed by the 24th Judicial Court in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Court records reveal that on November 24, 2023, officers from the New Orleans Police Department observed Lee carrying what appeared to be a handgun concealed in his waistband while patrolling Bourbon Street. Upon approach by the officers, Lee attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. A Smith and Wesson Model SD9VE nine-millimeter handgun was recovered after it fell from his waistband. Due to prior felony convictions, Lee was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites law enforcement at all levels with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program aims to make neighborhoods safer through fostering trust and legitimacy within communities, supporting community-based organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigation into this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. Gonzalez from the General Crime Unit.