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Press Release

New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DATAYNA HOWARD, age 22, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on February 28, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances—fentanyl, tapentadol, and marijuana—in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).

According to court documents, on January 19, 2022, HOWARD was arrested at the Oakwood Shopping Center in Gretna, La. in possession of fentanyl, marijuana, drug trafficking supplies, and two loaded handguns. On June 8, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at HOWARD’s residence in New Orleans and discovered over 700 tapentadol pills, marijuana, drug trafficking supplies, three handguns, and additional ammunition.

HOWARD faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release on each of his convictions for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. As to each of his convictions for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, HOWARD faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to each count, HOWARD also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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 from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

Contact

Shane M. Jones

Public Information Officer

United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana

United States Department of Justice

Updated February 29, 2024

Topic
Project Safe Neighborhoods