U.S. Department
of Justice
Press Release
New Orleans Man Charged in Federal Court for Hobbs Act Robberies and Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced yesterday that JAMES RAIFORD, age 25, of New Orleans, was charged in a ten-count Indictment with Hobbs Act Robberies, an Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951(a) and 924(c)(1)(a)(i).
The federal indictment alleges that JAMES RAIFORD committed armed robberies of four businesses located in the New Orleans East and St. Claude areas while brandishing a firearm.
If convicted of the violations, JAMES RAIFORD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
U. S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Updated November 9, 2018
Topics
Firearms Offenses
Project Safe Childhood
Component