Janard Walton, a 41-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Gun Control Act. The plea was entered on March 12, 2025, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
The case stems from a federal search warrant executed at Walton's residence on March 19, 2024. During the search, law enforcement agents discovered a Springfield nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol wrapped in a towel inside a kitchen cabinet and approximately one and a half pounds of marijuana in the kitchen. Additionally, they found a hidden compartment under stairs leading to the second story containing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol and about $37,941 in U.S. currency. The Smith & Wesson firearm was confirmed to be stolen.
Court records indicated that Walton is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms due to at least five felony convictions, including an earlier federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Walton admitted guilt to being a felon in possession of the two firearms found during the search conducted on March 19, 2024.
Judge Milazzo has scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2025. Walton could face up to fifteen years in prison along with up to three years of supervised release and fines reaching $250,000. A mandatory special assessment of $100 is also applicable.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which unites various levels of law enforcement with communities to curb violent crime and gun violence while enhancing neighborhood safety. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy reinforcing PSN principles such as fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention through community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the Slidell Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller serves as Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator for this prosecution.
