Steve Banks, a 49-year-old resident of New Orleans, has been indicted on federal charges related to drug trafficking and firearms possession. The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson on February 14, 2025.

Banks faces three counts in the indictment. Count 1 accuses him of possessing with intent to distribute over 280 grams of crack cocaine, violating sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) of Title 21 of the United States Code. Count 2 charges Banks with being a felon in possession of a firearm, contrary to sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) of Title 18. In Count 3, he is charged with possessing a firearm to further a drug trafficking crime, violating sections 924(c)(1)(A) and (i).

If convicted on the drug trafficking charge in Count 1, Banks could face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment, fines up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release. For Count 2, he faces up to fifteen years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release. The charge in Count 3 carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment along with possible fines and supervised release terms.

The indictment details that from an unspecified date before September 2024 until October 21, 2024, Banks conspired with others to distribute crack cocaine in Louisiana's Eastern District. On October 21st last year, authorities allege he possessed more than the threshold amount of crack cocaine along with three firearms: a Zastava Model ZPAP85 semi-automatic rifle; a Glock Model 22 pistol equipped with an extended magazine reported stolen; and a Glock Model Gen5 pistol.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that "the indictment is merely an allegation" and stressed that guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through community cooperation and strategic law enforcement efforts. Since May 26th last year when its strategy was strengthened by core principles including fostering trust within communities while supporting violence prevention initiatives alongside targeted enforcement actions as well as result measurements—the Department launched this initiative successfully.

The Federal Bureau Investigation alongside New Orleans Police Department are investigating this matter while Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne from Narcotics Unit leads prosecution proceedings against Steve Banks.