New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Narcotics and Illegal Possession of Firearms Violations

NEW ORLEANS, LA – CALEB PUNCH, age 32 of New Orleans, was indicted on September 15, 2023 announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. In Count 1, PUNCH is charged with  Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 2 charges PUNCH with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 3 charges PUNCH with Possession of Firearms during a Drug Trafficking Offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). Count 4 charges PUNCH  with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Count 5 charges PUNCH with Maintaining a Drug-involved Premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a).

If found guilty of either Counts 1 and 2, PUNCH faces a minimum sentence of 5 years up to  a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release.  As to Count 3, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other counts, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 five years of supervised release.  As to Count 4, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to Count 5, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  All five counts also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

United States 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.

United States Attorney Evans also praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Louisiana State Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.