Justice Department reports results from joint anti-violence operations in Baton Rouge

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Ellison C. Travis, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana | Department of Justice

Justice Department reports results from joint anti-violence operations in Baton Rouge

Over recent months, law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels have coordinated efforts to reduce violent crime in Baton Rouge and nearby areas. These operations led to 52 federal indictments involving 68 defendants on charges related to drug trafficking, illegal firearms, and other violent crimes. Authorities also seized illegal firearms, narcotics, and contraband during these actions.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis alongside officials from several agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Probation and Parole, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, and East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office.

“These initiatives underscore the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Enhanced information-sharing and resource allocation among participating agencies are instrumental to effectively combat violent crime. I would like to thank the Department of Justice and Governor Landry for surging federal and state resources to help fight crime in Baton Rouge,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison Travis.

Governor Jeff Landry stated: “From the very beginning, I made a commitment to reduce crime across our state. We started that mission in New Orleans and achieved remarkable success. Now, thanks to the strong collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners, we are taking down violent criminal networks throughout the Capital Region. Operation Violent Crime Takedown was a huge success, made possible by the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers. This is just the beginning. Together, we are ushering in a new era of safety and opportunity for Baton Rouge and for communities across Louisiana.”

Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office commented: “The FBI was proud to be part of this mission, and we brought Agents and intelligence personnel from our Violent Crime Rapid Deployment Team from offices across the country, to Baton Rouge. The FBI is committed to crushing violent crime across Louisiana and looks forward to working with our partners and the public to achieve that goal.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson added: “This summer surge operation to address violent gun and narcotics crime demonstrates ATF’s expertise and shows ATF’s collaboration with federal, state and local partners to have meaningful impact on combating crime. Working in coordination with law enforcement partners to meet the collective objectives of political leaders, community leaders, and citizens to enhance public safety is the priority of ATF.”

Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer of DEA New Orleans Division said: “Today isn’t about one agency; it’s about a united front against crime. We fully support Governor Landry’s efforts to ensure those who pose a threat to our communities are held accountable. The DEA will continue to bring its resources to bear in support of this vital mission.”

Colonel Robert P. Hodges of Louisiana State Police stated: “The Louisiana State Police is proud to have played a key role in this summer’s crime reduction operations, working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to target gangs and violent offenders in Baton Rouge. Our collaborative efforts have contributed to a measurable reduction in violent crime in targeted areas, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping our communities safe and holding offenders accountable.”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said: “The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is proud to continue working hand-in-hand with our local, state, and federal partners in the fight against violent crime. This summer, our deputies worked tirelessly to make our community safer... We are especially grateful for the federal support that provided the financial resources necessary... Collaboration and shared commitment are key...”

Gary Westcott from Louisiana Department of Public Safety noted that a large-scale warrant apprehension operation led by multiple agencies resulted in numerous arrests as well as recovery of narcotics and firearms from city streets.

Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse expressed gratitude for interagency cooperation over recent months through shared resources targeting serious felon offenders.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys are prosecuting cases arising from these investigations.

These operations fall under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together law enforcement at all levels with community organizations aiming at reducing gun violence nationwide through trust-building strategies as described at Justice.gov/PSN.

Additionally involved is Operation Take Back America—a national initiative using resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) alongside PSN—to combat illegal immigration-related offenses as well as transnational criminal organizations.

Officials reminded that indictments represent accusations by grand juries; all defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty at trial or via plea.