A Harvey man has found himself on the receiving end of a substantial prison sentence for a firearms violation, according to federal prosecutors. Miguel Keelen, aged 36, stood before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon on January 30, 2025, where he received 75 months behind bars, three years of supervised release, and was levied with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that Keelen previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, contravening Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The incident that led to Keelen's arrest and subsequent conviction occurred on December 11, 2023, while at a Valero Gas Station in New Orleans. Court documents reveal that Keelen displayed and drew a pistol from his waistband, before concealing the firearm and attempting to evade police capture. Considering his past felony convictions, Keelen was prohibited from firearm possession, which ultimately compounded his legal troubles.
Keelen's case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at curtailing violent crime and gun-related violence, making our communities feel more secure. In a move to reinforce PSN, in May 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy that prioritizes community trust, prevention efforts through support of community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement focuses, and monitoring the results for effectiveness.
The joint investigation that led to Keelen's sentencing was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger of the Violent Crimes Unit handled the prosecution, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. It is cases like Keelen's that underscore the collaborative efforts between federal and local law enforcement to tackle the pervasive issue of illegal firearms and reduce violent crimes in our neighborhoods.
