Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
NEW ORLEANS, LA , – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRONE SMOTHERS, age 41, of New Orleans, plead guilty on January 18, 2024, to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, SMOTHERS was previously convicted of felony offenses in Orleans Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He was indicted for possessing multiple firearms on May 17, 2023. He was also charged in the indictment with possessing fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana with the intent to distribute as well as possessing the firearms in furtherance of his drug distribution.
For the possession with intent to distribute charge, SMOTHERS faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. For the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking charge, SMOTHERS faces a minimum of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. For the possession of a firearm as a convicted felon charge, SMOTHERS faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. For each charge, SMOTHERS faces payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2024.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crime Unit.