In a case that underscores the persistent challenges of drug trafficking and illegal firearms in urban communities, a New Orleans man has entered a guilty plea on multiple federal charges. Lovon White, 22, of New Orleans, admitted to his involvement in the distribution of controlled substances and weapon offenses in front of U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk on March 12, according to a Department of Justice announcement.
White's conviction includes possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and marijuana. Additionally, he faced charges for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possessing a machine gun. It was revealed that he used social media to sell both drugs and machine gun conversion devices, which illegally transform semi-automatic handguns into automatic weapons.
When the FBI executed a search warrant at White's home in June 2024, they discovered an Anderson Manufacturing Model AM-15 pistol and a Glock Model 21 .45 caliber pistol, both modified with illegal conversion devices. They also found large quantities of tapentadol and marijuana intended for sale, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and substantial cash believed to be drug proceeds.
Under the plea deal, White is set to spend a decade in prison and faces a supervised release term of at least three years that could potentially extend to a lifetime. The financial repercussions are significant for White as well; he could be subjected to fines reaching up to $250,000 for each count and must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This stringent sentencing reflects the gravity of the offenses and the concerted effort by law enforcement to address such illegal activities.
The investigations leading to White’s guilty plea were part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative meant to reduce violent crime, particularly gun violence, through collaborative efforts between law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve. As per the Department of Justice, these efforts are rooted in principles that value community trust, support for community-based preemptive measures against violence, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and data-driven review of outcomes in order to create safer environments for everyone involved. Spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
