Press Releases
FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTS
NEW ORLEANS MAN ON DRUG AND GUN CHARGES
August 10, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SHAWN LEE, age 24 of New Orleans, was charged in a three-count federal indictment for possession of a firearm after previous felony conviction, possession of cocaine and marijuana after previous conviction for a drug felony, and possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to distribute, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the indictment, on August 22, 2006, New Orleans Police Officers encountered LEE during a traffic stop. At that time, law enforcement found that LEE had in his possession of a cocaine and marijuana, and a .45 caliber Ruger. Further investigation revealed that LEE was convicted on July 2, 2003 in the Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans.
Further according to the indictment, on October 24, 2006, NOPD officers again encountered LEE who had in his possession over 20 grams of heroin and over 1.5 grams of crack cocaine.
If convicted of Count 1, LEE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 2, LEE faces a maximum 2 years imprisonment, a minimum fine of $2,500, and one year of supervised release. If convicted of Count 3, LEE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a $2 million fine, and four (4) years of supervised release.
U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Sanford C. Coats.
