A man from Metairie, Louisiana, Kernel Alford, age 35, has been charged in a six-count superseding indictment. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans on December 13, 2024. The charges against Alford include possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Specifically, Count 1 accuses him of possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them, violating Title 21 of the United States Code. Counts 2 and 5 charge him with possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking crimes under Title 18 of the United States Code. Count 3 accuses him of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, while Count 4 also involves possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lastly, Count 6 charges him again as a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The indictment states that Alford possessed a firearm on May 2, 2024, despite being prohibited due to previous felony convictions. If convicted on these charges, Alford faces significant penalties: up to five years imprisonment for Count 1; mandatory minimums starting at five years for Counts 2 and 5; up to fifteen years for Count 3; twenty years for Count 4; and another fifteen years for Count 6. Additionally, fines could reach $250,000 or even $2 million depending on the count.

U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The initiative emphasizes trust-building within communities while setting strategic enforcement priorities.

Homeland Security Investigations along with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell from the Violent Crimes Unit is handling prosecution efforts.