United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Devante Courtney, a 26-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, to 68 months in federal prison following his conviction for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon. The Court further sentenced Courtney to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, and ordered that the firearm possessed by Courtney be forfeited.
On November 5, 2018, East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Courtney who, upon contact, was observed stuffing an item between his seat and the center console.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies located a stolen Glock 19, 9mm handgun, in the area between the driver's seat and the center console. The handgun was fully loaded with 34 live rounds in its extended magazine. Additionally, Courtney was in possession of a clear plastic bag containing 50 individually wrapped bags of a synthetic cannabinoid.
Prior to possessing the firearm, Courtney was convicted of obtaining a controlled dangerous substance by fraud and attempting to obtain a controlled dangerous substance by fraud on Dec. 17, 2014, in East Baton Rouge Parish.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence sends the message that my office and our partners remain committed to investigating, arresting, and prosecuting convicted criminals who decide to illegally possess firearms. Great credit goes to our partnership with local authorities for this result. I want to thank our prosecutor, the ATF, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case."
“The sentence imposed today sends a strong message to criminals that they will be held accountable for their actions," stated ATF New Orleans Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Powell. “ATF is committed to collaborate with all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to remove violent criminals from our neighborhoods and communities."
“The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is proud of the partnership we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and appreciate their commitment to prosecute these cases on the federal level," Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “This case is a prime example of collaboration and cooperation carried out through all levels of the process to ensure the safety of our community."
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, with substantial assistance from the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Jarreau.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
