U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans | U.S. Department of Justice
Derick Gettridge, a 27-year-old resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 17, 2024. The sentencing followed his guilty plea to two counts in an indictment related to drug and firearm offenses. United States District Judge Brandon S. Long presided over the case.
Gettridge faced charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges were violations under Title 21 and Title 18 of the United States Code.
Judge Long sentenced Gettridge to a total of 63 months in prison—3 months for the drug charge and 60 months for the firearm charge, which will be served consecutively. Additionally, he received a four-year term of supervised release and must pay a mandatory special assessment fee totaling $200.
The case stemmed from an incident where New Orleans Police Department officers stopped Gettridge for traffic violations. During their search, they found digital scales, sandwich baggies, two Glock pistols, and $892 in cash on him. Gettridge admitted these items were connected to his narcotics trafficking activities.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes trust-building within communities and supports organizations that work towards preventing violence.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell from the Violent Crimes Unit led the prosecution.
