New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Firearms Offense
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On July 25, 2023, MAURICE BUTLER, age 35, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter, announced U.S Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, BUTLER previously pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). In May 2022, BUTLER was arrested by St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies when, during the course of a traffic stop, they learned that he was wanted by the New Orleans Police Department for armed robbery. Deputies additionally noticed a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol (later determined to be stolen) in plain view on the front passenger seat of BUTLER’s vehicle. Further investigation revealed that BUTLER had previous felony convictions which prohibit his possession of a firearm.
Judge Vitter sentenced BUTLER to a 102-month term of imprisonment to be followed by a three (3) year term of supervised release. BUTLER is also required to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
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, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit.
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