Darnell D. Lee, a 26-year-old resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to thirty months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). In addition to the prison term, Lee will be on supervised release for three years following his release and is required to pay a $100 special assessment fee. Judge Fallon also ruled that this sentence would run consecutively with sentences from the 24th Judicial Court in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Court records indicate that on November 24, 2023, officers from the New Orleans Police Department observed Lee carrying what appeared to be a concealed handgun in his waistband while patrolling Bourbon Street. When approached by officers, Lee attempted to flee but was quickly captured. A Smith and Wesson Model SD9VE nine-millimeter handgun was recovered from him. Due to his prior felony convictions, Lee was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigation efforts in this case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. Gonzalez from the General Crime Unit.
