A New Orleans man has pled guilty to federal drug and firearms charges, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Austin Montgomery, 37, admitted to counts of intending to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The plea was entered on November 20, 2025, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported.
Montgomery is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could potentially serve up to forty years for the drug charge, along with a possible $5 million fine. The gun charge could add a maximum of fifteen years to his sentence and another quarter-million dollar fine. He was first charged after a surveillance operation caught him conducting a drug transaction, and subsequent searches uncovered firearms and additional contraband. "Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)", a program to reduce violent crime, includes this case within its umbrella. In a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, this approach relies on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations to prevent violence, and focusing strategic enforcement priorities.
Detailed in the U.S. Attorney's Office court documents, Montgomery's activities came to light following the NOPD's observation of a drug deal on Clio Street on September 14, 2023. Police witnessed an exchange between Montgomery and an unknown individual, involving currency and controlled substances. A later search of his vehicle and residence uncovered firearms and items indicative of drug trafficking.
Among the items discovered were a Glock pistol, a Keltec rifle, another Glock, a digital scale, and a variety of pills. Montgomery was prohibited from firearm possession due to his status as a convicted felon. "A search warrant was also executed at MONTGOMERY’s residence and officers located various items of contraband used to facilitate drug trafficking and marijuana," according to the statement issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office. United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier is scheduled to sentence Montgomery on February 26, 2026.
The FBI and NOPD jointly investigated the case with Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit prosecuting. PSN's renewed focus since May 2021 has been to integrate law enforcement efforts at all levels with the stronger community involvement, aiming for a measurable impact on reducing violent crime and improving safety. More information on the program can be found on the U.S. Attorney's Office website.
