Orleans Parish Man Indicted for Drug and Weapons Violations

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 11, 2024, TYRIN WILTZ, age 29, of Orleans Parish, was charged in a five-count superseding indictment for alleged drug and gun violations. These violations occurred on and before September 21, 2022. 

In Count 1, WILTZ is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(vi), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). If convicted, WILTZ faces up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least 3 years supervised release.

In Count 2, WILTZ is charged with discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(iii). If convicted, WILTZ facs a manadtory minimum sentence of 10 yearsup to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00 and up to 5 years of supervised release. 

In Count 3, WILTZ is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(vi), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). If convicted, WILTZ faces up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least 3 years of supervised release.

In Count 4, WILTZ is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). If convicted, WILTZ faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to 5 years of supervised release. 

In Count 5, WILTZ is charged 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). If convicted, WILTZ faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. As to each of the five (5) charged counts, WILTZ also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. 

On May 23, 2022, NOPD responded to a shooting on St. Roch Avenue in New Orleans and found a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. NOPD developed WILTZ as the primary suspect and arrested him pursuant to a warrant on September 21, 2022. Pursuant to his arrest, NOPD recovered both weapons and illegal substances from WILTZ. On October 13, 2022, WILTZ was indicted for firearm and illegal substances violations. After his initial  indictment, NOPD investigators recovered additional weapons and illegal substances in WILTZ’s possession that formed the basis for the superseding indictment.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven guilty 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.