NEW ORLEANS MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO GUN CHARGES
MICHAEL HOOKER, age 33, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty today in federal court before U. S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon to four federal felonies relating to attempting to purchase a firearm and ammunition at a local gun show while being a previously convicted felon, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to court documents, on March 19, 2011, HOOKER conspired with another person to conduct a “straw purchase” of a Draco pistol from the Pontchartrain Gun Show in Kenner, Louisiana. HOOKER’s co-conspirator accepted money to pretend to be the actual purchaser of the firearm, when in fact, it was being purchased by HOOKER. HOOKER then also purchased various ammunition and later took possession of the said firearm as HOOKER and two other individuals left the gun show.
HOOKER had two prior felony convictions: a conviction on October 21, 2002 in Orleans Parish Criminal Court for possession with intent to distribute cocaine (crack); and on October 21, 2002 in Orleans Parish Criminal Court for possession with intent to distribute cocaine (crack). As such, HOOKER is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
Count 1, a conspiracy to illegally purchase the Draco firearm, carries a maximum sentence of five (5) years, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three (3) years of federal supervision after the completion of a prison sentence. Count 2, the making of false statements to a federally licenced firearm dealer in order to obtain a firearm, carries a maximum sentence of ten (10 ) years, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three (3) years of federal supervision after the completion of a prison sentence. Counts 4 and 6, which both relate to the possession of the firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon, carry a maximum sentence ten (10) years, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three (3) years of federal supervision after the completion of a prison sentence. Sentencing is to be held on June 21, 2012 before Judge Fallon.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Kenner Police Department is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Violent Crime Unit.
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