Bryan Spears, a 21-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to illegal firearm possession. The plea was entered on March 12, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance. Spears admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm, violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
Court documents reveal that on September 1, 2023, Spears was found in the front passenger seat of a stolen vehicle at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans. Upon being ordered out of the car by police officers from the New Orleans Police Department, a Glock Model 17 firearm was discovered partially hidden under his seat. The firearm had an extended magazine and was loaded with 29 live rounds.
Spears faces potential penalties including up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021. This strategy focuses on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit is leading the prosecution.
