Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon announced the sentencing of two men from Zachary, Louisiana, for theft of firearms from a licensed firearm business. On March 28, 2025, U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Keyshawn Newman, 24, to 39 months in federal prison and Ransom Parker, 27, to 70 months in federal prison. Both sentences include an additional three years of supervised release.
The incident occurred on June 19, 2023, when the owner of Thompson Creek Sporting Goods spotted four masked individuals on the business's surveillance system. The suspects had breached the store and triggered an alarm before police could arrive. Upon reaching the scene, an officer observed the suspects fleeing with firearms, with some being dropped along the way. Twelve firearms were stolen, and ten were later recovered in different locations around the area.
Newman was discovered by investigators at East Mental Hospital's powerhouse station, about six miles away from the store, after a maintenance worker reported a suspicious man. Newman admitted his involvement in the break-in. Parker was identified by co-defendants as a participant and the driver of the vehicle used in the burglary. He also admitted to these roles.
The firearms recovered included models from brands such as CMMG, Armalite, Arsenal, Diamondback, Hi-Point, Radom, Riley Defense, Rock Island Armory, and Ruger.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Jackson Police Department, and East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eli J. Abad prosecuted the case.
