New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Metro Drug Dealers, Weapons Offenses

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CLARENCE R. SINGLETON, age 30, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery and use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

The maximum penalty for conspiracy to Hobbs Act Robbery is 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  The maximum penalty for the use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes is 20 years imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for August 4, 2016.

According to court documents, SINGLETON participated in home invasion robberies of drug dealers in an effort to make money and/or obtain illegal drugs for later retail sale.  They also conspired to use, possess and discharge firearms to further their drug trafficking activity, and crimes of violence during the robberies of these drug dealers to obtain drugs and drug proceeds.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department led Multi-Agency Gang Unit in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael M. Simpson and Michael E. McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.