New Orleans Man with Felony Convictions Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms

NEW ORLEANS — Jarren Lee, 35, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on March 19 before U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion to violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, Lee was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department after being observed driving a stolen vehicle. When police searched the vehicle, they found two firearms, both equipped with high-capacity magazines and one of which was stolen. Lee had several prior felony convictions, including multiple convictions for drug possession.

Judge Papillion set sentencing for July 16. Lee faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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 of Justice 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.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel.

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