U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans | U.S. Department of Justice
James Wallace, a 25-year-old resident of Jefferson Parish, has been sentenced to 88 months in prison for federal drug and gun crimes. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo also imposed five years of supervised release and a $600 mandatory special assessment fee. Wallace had pleaded guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The charges stem from incidents beginning on June 22, 2021, when Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives observed Wallace carrying a Glock Model 17 handgun equipped with a micro conversion kit. This was despite his prohibition from possessing firearms due to a prior state drug trafficking offense.
On October 13, 2021, Wallace led Louisiana State Police on a car chase during which he discarded blister packs of tapentadol. In January 2022, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents saw Wallace in Metairie again holding two handguns and an orange backpack containing drugs like fentanyl and heroin. He continued dealing drugs even after several co-conspirators were arrested.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement with communities. The Department's strategy includes fostering trust in communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman is leading the prosecution.