New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to a Heroin Conspiracy and Firearm Possession Charges

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PATRICK SCHEXNAYDER, age 27, of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to federal firearms and narcotics violations.

According to court documents, PATRICK SCHEXNAYDER conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.  In addition, on February 23, 2018, SCHEXNAYDER, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The Court set sentencing in this matter for March 7, 2019.  SCHEXNAYDER faces, as to count one of the indictment, a minimum of five years up to a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.  As to Count Eighteen, SCHEXNAYDER may receive up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

U. S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department Multi-Agency Gang Unit in investigating this matter.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Matthew R. Payne.

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