New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that SHELDON SMITH SR. (“SMITH”), age 59, of New Orleans, was charged in a recently unsealed three-count indictment on March 13, 2025 with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Federal Gun Control Act.

According to the filed indictment, on or about December 17, 2024, SMITH possessed with intent to distribute, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone. SMITH was also charged with possessing two firearms, a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter handgun and a Taurus Model G2C, .40 caliber handgun, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Additionally, SMITH was previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year in the Eastern District of Louisiana, that prohibited him from possessing those firearms.

SMITH was indicted in Count 1 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  If convicted of Count 1, SMITH faces up to 30 years imprisonment ; a fine of up to $2,000,000, and up to six years of supervised release, following any term of imprisonment.

SMITH was indicted in Count 2 for Possession of a Firearm, in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  If convicted of Count 2, SMITH faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release following imprisonment.

SMITH was indicted in Count 3 for possessing firearms including, a Glock 19, nine-millimeter handgun, a  Taurus Model G2C, .40 caliber pistol, two Daniel Defense M4 Carbine, multi-caliber pistols, an Adler Silah Sanayaii Centurion BP12 12 Gauge shotgun, a Tennessee Arms .223 caliber rifle, a Ruger Mini 14 rifle, a FN 509, nine-millimeter handgun, and a Bryco 58, nine millimeter handgun, having previously been convicted of a felony.  If convicted, SMITH faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

The defendant also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).