Duane A. Evans, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the sentencing of Joan E. Escobar-Reyes, a 26-year-old native of Honduras, for firearm possession. On February 20, 2025, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced Escobar-Reyes to thirty months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he is required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
Court documents revealed that on or about June 30, 2024, Escobar-Reyes was found with a Glock Model 32, .357 SIG caliber semi-automatic pistol and an H&R Model 92, .22 LR caliber revolver while illegally present in the United States.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department launched a strategy on May 26, 2021, to strengthen PSN by fostering trust in communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended Homeland Security Investigations-New Orleans, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis from the General Crimes Unit managed the prosecution.
