U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans | U.S. Department of Justice
Cyril Hoffman Jr., a 26-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to drug and weapons violations. The plea was entered on December 10, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion.
Hoffman admitted guilt to two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and other charges involving firearms in connection with drug trafficking activities. These charges are in violation of several sections under Title 21 and Title 18 of the United States Code.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Hoffman's residence on August 20, 2021. During this search, agents found marijuana intended for sale along with six firearms in his bedroom. The recovered firearms included various semi-automatic pistols and rifles loaded with live rounds.
Prior to the search warrant execution, Hoffman faced an indictment in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for multiple felony offenses, including attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy charges. After his arrest following the FBI's search, he was released on bond in June 2022.
In October 2022, while still awaiting trial on state charges, Hoffman was encountered by deputies from the United States Marshals Service inside a motel room where another firearm was found. Despite denying ownership initially, messages later revealed that he admitted possession of the weapon.
Hoffman continued his involvement in drug distribution while out on bond. A subsequent FBI search at his new residence led to further recovery of marijuana along with equipment used for its distribution.
For each count related to marijuana distribution, Hoffman faces up to five years imprisonment followed by supervised release terms. His conviction for possessing a firearm during drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum sentence ranging from five years up to life imprisonment consecutively served alongside any other penalties imposed. Additionally, receiving a firearm while under indictment could result in another five-year prison term.
Each charge includes potential fines reaching $250,000 plus mandatory special assessment fees per count.
This case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and communities nationwide. The Department's strategy launched earlier emphasized trust-building within communities alongside targeted enforcement actions measured against strategic priorities.
Investigation into this matter was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit.
