New Orleans Man Re-Sentenced on Federal Firearm and Drug Trafficking Charges Stemming from New Orleans Hotel Shootout

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CLARENCE SANTIAGO (“SANTIAGO”), of New Orleans, was re-sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry to 280 months imprisonment for his participation in a December 28, 2020, shootout at the Jung Hotel on Canal Street. 

On April 5, 2022, SANTIAGO pled guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the indictment, charging him with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count 1); using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Count 2); conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana (Count 3); and, illegally maintaining a drug involved premises (Count 4).

On March 7, 2023, Judge Guidry sentenced SANTIAGO to serve 360 months of imprisonment.   SANTIAGO appealed that sentence to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction but remanded the case to the District Court for re-sentencing.  At the sentencing hearing held on July 23rd, the Government played three video tapes of the shooting that took place on the 15^th floor of the Jung Hotel.

 After hearing the evidence presented the hearing, Judge Guidry imposed a total sentence of 280 months imprisonment.  This consisted of 160 months as to Counts 1 and 4; 60 months as to Count 3; and 120 consecutive months as to Count 2. He was also placed on supervised release for a term of 5 years, after his release from prison.  The Court also imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 per count. 

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.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime and Gang Unit.