U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans | U.S. Department of Justice
Leo Tate, a 31-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pled guilty to charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The plea was entered on December 11, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. This violation is part of the Federal Gun Control Act, as announced by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Court records reveal that in April 2024, FBI agents stopped a vehicle occupied by Tate and another man. The agents were aware that Tate had an outstanding felony arrest warrant from Orleans Parish and the other individual had a federal warrant for a DNA swab. Both men attempted to flee when stopped but were apprehended shortly after leaving the vehicle. During the search, agents discovered a Glock pistol with an extended magazine and a round in the chamber which Tate admitted belonged to him. He also acknowledged knowing he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions.
Judge Milazzo has scheduled sentencing for January 30, 2025. Tate could face up to fifteen years in prison, three years of supervised release, fines reaching $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department enhanced its violent crime reduction strategy under PSN focusing on community trust and legitimacy, supporting preventive community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is prosecuting this case as Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.
