New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAWN MAJOR, JR., age 22, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 5, 2023 to a two-count superseding bill of information charging him with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”), and a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at a residence in New Orleans after confirming drug activity at that location.  Inside the residence, agents located MAJOR, JR. between a washing machine and a bathroom toilet.  On top of the washing machine was Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  In and around the toilet, agents located and seized approximately 17 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of crack, and 83 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. 

For the drug count, MAJOR, JR. faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 per count. 

For the firearm count, MAJOR, JR. faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. 

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.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration,  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.