U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans has announced that Shane Bolden, a 25-year-old resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to federal drug and weapons violations on January 8, 2025. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
Court documents reveal that the New Orleans Police Department executed a search warrant at Bolden's residence on April 8, 2024. During the search, authorities recovered over a pound of marijuana intended for distribution and eight firearms belonging to Bolden. The firearms included various semi-automatic pistols such as a Glock Model 33 and a stolen Glock Model 22, among others. Additionally, over $108,000 in cash was seized from Bolden's residence.
Bolden is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including one for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He has agreed to forfeit all firearms and cash to the United States government.
For his conviction related to marijuana distribution, Bolden faces up to five years in prison with a minimum of two years supervised release. For being a felon in possession of a firearm, he could receive up to 15 years in prison and up to three years supervised release. Each count also carries potential fines up to $250,000 and mandatory special assessment fees of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the New Orleans Police Department along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit is prosecuting the case.
