Tim Jackson, also known as “T-Maf” and “Maf,” was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on February 25, 2026, for his role in a racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and firearms conspiracy. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. Jackson will also serve five years of supervised release and pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, according to U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
Jackson pleaded guilty after four days of trial to avoid the possibility of a life sentence if convicted. His co-defendants—Terran Williams, Tyrone Bovia, and Javonta Doleman—were found guilty at trial in spring 2025 on various charges, including two counts of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (Murder). Each faces a mandatory life sentence.
Authorities identified Jackson as a leader of the Byrd Gang, which is also known as M3RE, MagFischer, 315, and Piff Gang. The group operated mainly out of the former Magnolia Housing Development but had connections to the Westbank area. Members regularly distributed heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana while possessing numerous firearms.
The government presented evidence that Jackson participated in multiple violent crimes associated with the Byrd Gang. These included several murders and shootings between July 2016 and August 2017 involving rival groups such as the Ghost Gang. Some incidents resulted in injuries or deaths of innocent bystanders.
Evidence at trial included witness testimony from cooperating informants and defendants; police searches; Title III wiretaps; historical arrests; and seizures of weapons and drugs from gang members including Jackson himself.
According to prosecutors, Jackson led the Byrd Gang’s drug operations—especially heroin distribution—and acted as a gunman for the group. He conspired with other members to commit racketeering acts such as murder under Louisiana law (Title 14) as well as federal drug trafficking violations (Title 21).
Between 2014 and January 2017—when he was arrested on unrelated federal charges—Jackson served as both leader and primary supplier for the Byrd Gang’s narcotics trade. He maintained several stash houses used by gang members for distributing drugs.
The investigation recovered dozens of firearms with large-capacity magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Byrd Gang members.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle commended efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Orleans Police Department during this case’s investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime through cooperation among law enforcement agencies at all levels along with community organizations working toward violence prevention. More information about PSN can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
