An Elmwood man is now facing federal charges for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. Jaequan Bailey, aged 26, was indicted last Friday, pursing to a three-count indictment confirmed by the office of Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson, as reported on the U.S. Attorney's Office website.
The indictment, pinpoints three separate occasions - April 19, 2022, September 26, 2024, and November 26, 2024 - where Bailey, a felon, was found in possession of firearms and ammunition, activities he was legally barred from due to a prior felony conviction. For each of these counts, Bailey could face heavy penalties including up to 15 years of imprisonment, fines reaching $250,000, and, up to 3 years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson has stated on the U.S. Attorney's Office, "the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt." This case roots itself in the larger framework of Operation Take Back America, a broad-sweeping initiative aimed at obliterating illegal immigration, disbanding cartels and transnational criminals, and sheltering communities from violent offenders.
Operation Take Back America showcases the collective effort of the Department of Justice, employing the capabilities of both the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The New Orleans Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations were instrumental in the investigation leading to Bailey's indictment while Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit, is tasked with prosecuting the case.
