A New Orleans man has been sentenced to 87 months in prison for federal drug and weapons violations. Shane Bolden, aged 36, was sentenced on April 30, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk. The sentence includes three years of supervised release and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. Bolden had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The New Orleans Police Department executed a search warrant at Bolden's residence on April 8, 2024. During the search, officers recovered over a pound of marijuana intended for sale and eight firearms belonging to Bolden. The firearms included various semi-automatic pistols and one stolen Glock Model 22 pistol. Additionally, more than $108,000 in cash was found at the residence.
Bolden is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including one for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit all firearms and cash to the United States government.
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 Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit is prosecuting the case.
