A New Orleans resident has pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearm charges, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Austin Montgomery, 37, entered his plea on November 20, 2025, admitting guilt to two counts in an indictment related to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.
Montgomery faces significant penalties for the charges. For possession with intent to distribute forty grams or more of fentanyl, he could receive a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison, along with a possible $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. He also faces up to fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court documents state that on September 14, 2023, New Orleans Police Department officers observed Montgomery selling drugs from his vehicle on Clio Street. After the transaction, officers followed him to a gas station where they detained him and recovered a Glock pistol from his waistband. A search of his vehicle revealed additional firearms—including a loaded rifle—and a large quantity of fentanyl as well as items commonly used in drug trafficking such as sandwich bags and a digital scale. Officers later searched Montgomery’s residence and found further evidence linked to drug distribution.
Montgomery is prohibited by law from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier is scheduled to sentence Montgomery on February 26, 2026.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The program focuses on building trust within communities, supporting prevention efforts, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and tracking outcomes. More information about PSN can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed is prosecuting the case.
