Samuel Morton, also known as "Sosa," was sentenced on July 2, 2025, for multiple conspiracies involving racketeering, firearms, and drugs. The 27-year-old from New Orleans faced charges under several U.S. Codes: conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)), conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (21 U.S.C. § 846), and conspiracy to possess firearms (18 U.S.C. § 924(o)).
Court documents reveal Morton's affiliation with the Byrd Gang, which primarily operated in Central City New Orleans' former Magnolia Housing Development. Since 2014, Morton and his associates managed a violent drug trafficking operation distributing heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana while always armed with firearms. The gang's ongoing feud with the Ghost Gang led to numerous violent acts resulting in deaths on both sides and affecting innocent bystanders.
United States District Judge Milazzo sentenced Morton to 216 months imprisonment for each count concurrently followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through community cooperation and law enforcement collaboration. On May 26, 2021, the Department strengthened PSN's strategy focusing on community trust and strategic enforcement priorities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Orleans Police Department's efforts in this case prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins from the Violent Crime Unit.
