A Slidell man has pleaded guilty to possessing an illegal machine gun, with sentencing set for July 2025. Cuong Quoc Tran, 39, admitted to the charges in court last Thursday. The U.S. Department of Justice reported that Tran, then captain of the fishing vessel “Lucky Jean,” was stopped by the Coast Guard in early 2022, where authorities found multiple rifles converted to fully automatic fire, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark conducted a routine safety search of Tran's vessel near Southwest Pass, Louisiana. During the search, authorities found automatic rifles. Tran admitted to modifications, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later confirmed they were illegal. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson stated that the Coast Guard and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive's investigation led to Tran's guilty plea, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Tran faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee for unauthorized weapons possession. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. will prosecute it. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17. Federal agencies collaborated in Tran’s apprehension and prosecution, enforcing firearm regulations.
