An Elmwood man has been indicted for possessing firearms and ammunition. Jaequan Bailey, 26, faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all counts. The indictment states that Bailey, who has a previous felony conviction, had firearms on April 19, 2022, September 26, 2024, and November 26, 2024, which violates federal law that prohibits felons from having guns, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Bailey is facing charges under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). If convicted, each count could result in a fine of up to $250,000, a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, and up to three years of supervised release after prison time. "The indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," said Simpson, as noted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Bailey was indicted as part of Operation Take Back America, a federal effort focused on illegal immigration and violent crime. The investigation was led by the New Orleans Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The operation combines the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods to target cartels and criminal organizations, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
