A New Orleans man identified as Sheldon Smith Sr., age 59, was recently indicted and charged with drug and gun offenses according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Smith faces indictment on three counts, including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, as detailed in a three-count indictment that was made public on March 13, 2025.
As per the statement issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Smith was found in possession of a detectable amount of fentanyl, and oxycodone on December 17, 2024. In tandem, he had an array of firearms, including a Glock 19 nine-millimeter handgun and a Taurus Model G2C .40-caliber handgun, all purportedly linked to drug trafficking activities. Moreover, due to a prior felony conviction, Smith was barred from possessing these firearms.
If convicted of the possession charge, the indictment states that Smith could face up to 30 years in imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,000,000, and "up to six years of supervised release, following any term of imprisonment," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The charges of weapon possession in relation to drug trafficking could subject Smith to at least five years and up to life in imprisonment, with consecutive sentencing, as well as a fine of up to $250,000. A further firearms possession count could add up to 15 additional years in prison.
The case, drawing on the weight of the Drug Enforcement Administration's investigation, is run by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit. "The indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," reiterates Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office. As part of Operation Take Back America, this case represents efforts to counter not only drug trafficking but also broader issues with illegal immigration and violent crime linked to cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Each count against Smith carries a $100 special assessment fee.
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