In a stark reminder of the consequences of gun law violations, Janard Walton, a New Orleans resident, has been convicted of breaching the Federal Gun Control Act. This comes as part of a broader federal effort to clamp down on illegal firearm possession among convicted felons, as disclosed in an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson yesterday. The U.S. Attorney's Office detailed the March 12 plea made by the 41-year-old before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
Walton's residence was scrutinized by law enforcement back on March 19, 2024, when a Springfield nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol alongside around one and a half pounds of marijuana were discovered, but that wasn't the end, as agents further unearthed a hidden compartment under some stairs within which lay a stolen Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol and close to $38,000 in cash, plunging Walton deeper into legal jeopardy given his status as a convicted felon with a track record of firearm possession violations.
The search and subsequent findings paint a damning portrait of Walton's continuous disregard for the law, with at least five felony convictions under his belt, court records confirm. On June 18, 2025, Walton now faces a sentencing that may lock him away for up to fifteen years, with additional supervised release and financial penalties imposed.
The case is emblematic of the broader initiatives under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which seek to knit law enforcement together with communities to stem the tide of violence and gun crime. Since the Department’s May 26, 2021 enhancement of violent crime reduction strategies aiming to build trust within communities, prioritize enforcement, and closely track the outcomes, Walton's case, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Slidell Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, PSN Coordinator, is part of these sweeping efforts to make neighborhoods more secure.
