Duane A. Evans, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana
A New Orleans man, Warren Roland, has been sentenced for attempted carjacking and federal gun charges. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the sentencing, which took place on February 18, 2025. United States District Judge Brandon S. Long delivered the sentence after Roland pleaded guilty to both counts of the indictment against him.
Roland faced two charges: attempted carjacking under Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). He received a sentence of 137 months for the first count and 120 months for the second count, with both sentences running concurrently. Additionally, Judge Long ordered a three-year supervised release period and imposed a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case stemmed from an incident on March 24, 2022. A concerned citizen reported seeing someone acting suspiciously with a firearm on Read Boulevard in New Orleans East. Officers from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) responded to the call and identified Roland as the suspect based on the caller's description. When officers attempted to question him, Roland fled on foot.
During the pursuit, Roland brandished a black firearm while running into traffic on Read Boulevard. He tried to enter a stopped Toyota SUV by grabbing its front passenger door handle while holding the weapon. As the driver attempted to drive away, Roland discharged his firearm but eventually released his grip and was arrested.
Police recovered a nine-millimeter Smith & Wesson Model SD9 pistol loaded with fourteen rounds at the scene along with one spent shell casing in its chamber.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups. The program emphasizes trust-building within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended efforts by both Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives agents alongside New Orleans Police Department officers involved in this case handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins from Violent Crime Unit.
