A Metairie man has pleaded guilty to federal firearm and narcotics charges, according to Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. On December 4, 2025, Kernelious Alford, 35, admitted guilt to two counts in a six-count superseding bill of information before U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.
Alford pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2026.
For the drug charge, Alford faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least two years of supervised release. For the firearm charge, he could receive up to fifteen years in prison, another $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. He must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
Court documents state that on May 2, 2024, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies attempted a vehicle stop on Alford by activating lights and siren. Alford led officers on a high-speed chase through Metairie that ended after he struck another vehicle but continued driving until stopping abruptly and fleeing on foot. Deputies apprehended him after a pursuit.
A search of Alford’s vehicle revealed a Glock Model 19 nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine, plastic baggies, a scale, 157 grams of marijuana, and a Romarm Model Mini Draco AK47 semi-automatic pistol chambered in 7.62x39mm. Alford later admitted possessing the drugs with intent to distribute as well as possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which coordinates law enforcement agencies at various levels with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice strengthened PSN’s strategy in May 2021 by emphasizing trust-building in communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it starts, focusing enforcement priorities strategically, and measuring results.
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department for their work on the case. Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell from the Violent Crimes Unit prosecuted the matter.
