Couple Charged with Making False Statements to a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRANDON SMITH, age 29, and CHELSIE WILLIAMS, age 23, both of New Orleans, were charged today in a six-count Indictment. The Indictment charges SMITH and WILLIAMS with making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6), and being felons in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

According to the Indictment, SMITH and WILLIAMS made false statements concerning a rifle. If convicted, both SMITH and WILLIAMS face a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment for each count.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for investigating this matter. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Ryan McLaren is in charge of the prosecution.