New Orleans Man Indicted For Federal Drug and Firearm Offens

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERIC FALKINS (“FALKINS”), age 19, of New Orleans, was charged on October 24, 2024 in a three-count indictment, for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts.

FALKINS is charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846.  He is charged in Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).  He is charged in Count 3 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

As to each of Counts 1 and 2, FALKINS faces up to 5 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least two years of supervised release.  If convicted of Count 3, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release.  As to each of Counts 1,2, and 3, FALKINS also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, FALKINS was engaged in a drug trafficking conspiracy and, on or about January 24, 2024, possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute such.  FALKINS also  illegally possessed a Radical Firearms Model RF-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of his possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.