Press Release
Algiers Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Narcotics and Firearms Charges
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TARAY BUTLER, age 21, of Algiers, pled guilty today to multiple counts of violating federal firearm and narcotics laws.
BUTLER pled guilty to illegally being a felon in possession of a firearm on October 14, 2014. Members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) arrested BUTLER while he was trespassing on Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) property in the Fischer development, and found him to be in possession of a stolen Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine.
BUTLER also pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin. BUTLER was observed by members of the NOPD’s MAG unit committing traffic violations and attempted to stop BUTLER, who fled. BUTLER’s vehicle was ultimately recovered and NOPD officers located a quantity of heroin pre-packaged for sale on the floor of the vehicle.
Additionally, BUTLER pled guilty to illegally being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. These charges arise from a search warrant executed at BUTLER’s residence on May 6, 2016, when law enforcement officers located six firearms and a quantity of heroin.
BUTLER faces a minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for February 22, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), New Orleans Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier is in charge of the prosecution.
Updated November 16, 2016
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Firearms Offenses
Component