Duane A. Evans, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana
Miguel Keelen, a 36-year-old resident of Harvey, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 75 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon handed down the sentence on January 30, 2025. The sentence includes three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Keelen had previously pleaded guilty to charges under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Court documents revealed that Keelen was found with a firearm on December 11, 2023, at a Valero Gas Station in New Orleans. He reportedly displayed and drew a pistol from his waistband before concealing it and fleeing from police officers. Due to prior felony convictions, Keelen was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The 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. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a strategy to enhance PSN by focusing on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department conducted the investigation into this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger from the Violent Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
