ORLEANS PARISH MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO WEAPONS CHARGE
JOSHUA D. CRAWFORD, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today before U. S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a one count federal felony indictment for illegally possessing a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the factual basis, NOPD encountered CRAWFORD as they patrolled the Third District and as the officers approached, CRAWFORD attempted to flee. CRAWFORD was apprehended as he was trying to scale a nearby fence. Subsequent investigation revealed CRAWFORD was in possession of a loaded .45 caliber Taurus Millenium semi-automatic pistol. CRAWFORD is prohibited from possessing any firearms due to a felony conviction for distribution of marijuana in July, 2002 in Orleans Parish.
The defendant faces a possible maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three (3) years of supervised release. Sentencing has been scheduled on May 6, 2010.
This case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department along with Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters of the Violent Crime Unit.
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