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Published on January 22, 2025
New Orleans Man Sentenced to Over 2 Years for Drug and Gun ChargesSource: Wikipedia/U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Donte Edwards, a 34-year-old New Orleans man, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for narcotics and firearms offenses, as announced by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The sentencing occurred on Wednesday last week, before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The case against Edwards stems from a crime spree between January and June 2022 involving drug trafficking and violations of the Federal Gun Control Act in New Orleans. Court documents show that Edwards and co-defendant Carlos Jones faced an 11-count indictment. Edwards pled guilty to two counts, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crack and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As a convicted felon, Edwards is prohibited from owning a firearm under federal law. His involvement in these crimes adds to his criminal history. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.

This conviction is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN aims to build community trust, support violence prevention organizations, and improve safety through focused law enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy from the Violent Crimes Unit led the prosecution of the case. Public Information Officer Shane M. Jones provided these details.