Lovon White, a 22-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to drug distribution and firearm offenses. The plea was entered on March 12, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk. White admitted to possession with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, violating several sections of Title 21 of the United States Code. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing a machinegun in violation of Title 18.
Court documents revealed that White used social media platforms to sell drugs and devices that convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic firearms. In June 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at his residence, seizing an Anderson Manufacturing Model AM-15 pistol and a Glock Model 21 pistol equipped with conversion devices. Additionally, they found tapentadol, marijuana intended for sale, drug trafficking supplies, and cash from drug sales.
As part of the plea agreement, White will serve ten years in prison and faces supervised release ranging from three years to life. Each charge carries up to a $250,000 fine along with a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime by fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence. The Department's strategy launched on May 26, 2021 focuses on setting strategic enforcement priorities while measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit.
