Shane Bolden, a 36-year-old resident of New Orleans, has been sentenced to 87 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. This decision was made by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk on April 30, 2025. Bolden had previously pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case originated from an investigation conducted by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), which executed a search warrant at Bolden's residence on April 8, 2024. During the search, authorities discovered over a pound of marijuana intended for sale and eight firearms belonging to Bolden. The firearms included various models such as Glock Model 33 and Glock Model 23 pistols, among others. Additionally, NOPD recovered over $108,000 in cash from his residence.
Bolden is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including one for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit all firearms and cash to the United States government.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit is prosecuting the case.