Jaequan Bailey, a 26-year-old resident of Elmwood, Louisiana, has been indicted on charges related to the possession of firearms and ammunition as a felon. The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson on June 20, 2025.
Bailey faces three counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, which is a violation under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). The indictment alleges that Bailey possessed these items on three separate occasions: April 19, 2022; September 26, 2024; and November 26, 2024. Due to a prior felony conviction, Bailey is prohibited from possessing firearms.
If found guilty on any of the counts, Bailey could face up to 15 years in prison for each count. He also faces potential fines up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release per count. Additionally, there is a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and does not imply guilt. "The guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," he stated.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime. The operation consolidates resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by the New Orleans Police Department in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell from the Violent Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution.
