In New Orleans, Wardell Fletcher, 49, a convicted felon, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for possessing a firearm. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long on July 29, following Fletcher's previous guilty plea. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fletcher will also face a three-year supervised release after his imprisonment and is required to pay a $100 special assessment fee.
Documents from court reveal Fletcher possessed a Taurus Model 608, .357 Magnum revolver, and ammunition during an incident on December 27, 2023. The altercation at a Circle K gas station in New Orleans led to Fletcher using the weapon to shoot an individual. As a previously convicted felon, Fletcher was prohibited from possessing firearm.
The case is part of "Project Safe Neighborhoods" (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing crime and gun violence. The program, rebooted in 2021, combines the efforts of various law enforcement levels and community groups. "Project Safe Neighborhoods" is built upon fostering community trust, supporting organizations focused on violence prevention, establishing strategic enforcement priorities, and consistently evaluating their impact on safety. The Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson, in a statement, commended the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the New Orleans Police Department for their role in the case.
The news comes amidst ongoing discussions on gun control and violence in America, with many eyes on PSN's effectiveness in curbing the cycle of violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Bell from the Violent Crime Unit prosecuted the case underlining the collaborative strategy to make neighborhoods safer and reduce violent incidents.
