KENNETH JACKSON, a 33-year-old resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on August 20, 2025, to violating the Federal Gun Control Act. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Court records indicate that in March 2024, the FBI conducted aerial surveillance at an apartment complex in New Orleans East as part of an investigation into a murder that had occurred the previous day. Agents observed a Toyota Camry with rear bumper damage parked behind the complex and believed it to be connected to the crime. When agents saw the Camry attempting to leave, they blocked its exit with a vehicle. JACKSON and another male then fled on foot but were apprehended shortly after leaving the car. At the time of his arrest, JACKSON had a .45 caliber pistol in his possession. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm as part of a multi-defendant indictment.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2026. JACKSON faces up to fifteen years in prison, up to three years supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which coordinates law enforcement efforts at all levels with community involvement to reduce violent crime and gun violence nationwide. The Department launched an updated violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson acknowledged contributions from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Police Department, and New Orleans District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Liz Privitera and Sarah Dawkins are prosecuting the case through the Violent Crime Unit.
