A New Orleans man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Elijah Martin, 27, admitted on August 21, 2025, to two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.
Martin faces up to 15 years in prison for each count, as well as a possible $250,000 fine per count, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each offense.
Court documents state that Martin was found with firearms on two separate occasions while being prohibited from possessing them due to prior felony convictions. On December 16, 2023, an officer with the East Jefferson Parish Levee Police Department discovered Martin in possession of a Smith & Wesson Model M&P Shield 9mm pistol during a traffic stop. On January 25, 2024, officers from the New Orleans Police Department again found him with a Glock Model 26 9mm pistol.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which coordinates efforts among law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched an updated violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021. The initiative focuses on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it starts, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and tracking results.
The investigation involved the East Jefferson Parish Levee Police Department, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting the case.
"Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ELIJAH MARTIN (“MARTIN”), age 27, a resident of New Orleans, plead guilty on August 21, 2025, to violating the Federal Gun Control Act before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown."
"MARTIN plead guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). On each count MARTIN faces up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee."
"According to court documents...an officer with the East Jefferson Parish Levee Police Department found MARTIN...in possession of a firearm...during a traffic stop. On January 25...New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers again found MARTIN in possession of a firearm...MARTIN is prohibited from possessing a firearm dur[e] [sic] to his prior felony convictions."
"This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence…On May 26, 2021…the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities…supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence…setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities…and measuring the results."
"This case was investigated by the East Jefferson Parish Levee Police Department…New Orleans Police Department…and…the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver..."
