U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that his Office is leading an initiative to increase federal illegal gun prosecutions in the area. In conjunction with ATF and NOPD, the Office is enhancing federal prosecution of the following offenses:
* Convicted felons in possession of firearms;
* Individuals subject to domestic violence orders who are in possession of firearms; and
* Individuals who possess illegal firearms in or near elementary and secondary schools.
Individuals prosecuted for these offenses will face significant jail time. Further, as these are violent offenses, there is a presumption against bail in most cases.
USA Polite stated, "This initiative will bring needed federal resources to those areas of New Orleans and our region where we see the highest levels of gun violence on a day-to-day basis. In particular, this effort will increase our attention on domestic violence, which is one of the root causes of the violence on our streets and has been the underlying reason for nearly a quarter of New Orleans homicides this year."
In addition, U.S. Attorney Polite announced that his Office is spearheading a public service campaign to educate residents about this firearms initiative. (See attached). USA Polite added, "Victims of gun violence need to know that the federal government is committed to fighting violent crime throughout our region. Just as importantly, perpetrators of this violence are on notice: there will be no revolving door for violent offenders, going in and out of the criminal justice system. Instead, one gun conviction will land you in federal prison for a long time."
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
