Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LEO TATE (“TATE”), age 31, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on December 11, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, in April 2024, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents stopped a vehicle occupied by TATE, who agents knew had a felony arrest warrant from Orleans Parish, and another man, for whom agents had a federal warrant to obtain a DNA swab. When agents stopped the vehicle, TATE and the other man attempted to flee, but were apprehended shortly after exiting the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, agents found a Glock pistol with an extended magazine and a round in the chamber that TATE admitted was his. TATE also admitted knowing he was prohibited from possessing a firearm, due to his numerous prior felony convictions.
Judge Milazzo set sentencing for January 30, 2025. TATE faces a maximum term of fifteen years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.