Sean Dean, also known as "Lips," has been sentenced to 322 months in prison for fentanyl and firearm-related violations. The 41-year-old New Orleans resident was sentenced on June 10, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry after pleading guilty to counts two through four of the superseding indictment against him. Following his imprisonment, Dean will be placed on supervised release for five years and must pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Count two charged Dean with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, violating Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1),(b)(1)(A). Count three charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count four charged Dean with being a felon in possession of a firearm under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
The charges stem from a search conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF) on June 24, 2022. During the search at Dean's residence in New Orleans, authorities found four firearms and approximately 862 grams of fentanyl. Among the seized items were an American Tactical .223/5.56 AR pistol with loaded magazines found in the laundry room; a Glock 43 nine-millimeter handgun located in the master bedroom closet; and a Glock 17 nine-millimeter handgun found in the attic.
In addition to fentanyl, law enforcement discovered mannitol, digital scales, and packaging materials used by Dean to process and package fentanyl for distribution. Dean admitted ownership of all drugs and guns.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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, strengthening PSN with core principles including fostering trust within communities and supporting community-based violence prevention organizations.
The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel from the Violent Crimes Unit prosecuted this case.
