A man from Orleans Parish, 41-year-old Keith Caldwell, has been indicted on firearm and drug charges. The charges were announced on January 31 after a three-count indictment was unsealed, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson, as obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The indictment, made public on April 24, asserts Caldwell committed multiple federal crimes including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and firearm possession during a drug trafficking crime. On September 28, 2024, Caldwell was apprehended by Louisiana State Police troopers and federal agents for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, at which time, he was found in possession of firearms, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
"Count 1 charged CALDWELL with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D)," according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. "Count 2 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i)." Additionally, the third count alleges Caldwell's illegal possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
If Caldwell is convicted for these crimes, the penalties are severe, including up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine reaching $1,000,000 for the narcotics charge. The firearm charge in connection to drug trafficking requires, a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to a potential life imprisonment. The conviction for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm could lead to up to 15 years imprisonment. Caldwell also faces monetary penalties and supervised release post-incarceration, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
In our justice system, being indicted doesn’t mean someone is guilty. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson stressed that Caldwell’s guilt must be proven in court beyond a reasonable doubt. The case, investigated by Homeland Security and Louisiana State Police, is now being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell from the Violent Crimes Unit.
