A federal jury in New Orleans has convicted Jovante Matthews of armed carjacking and being an “Armed Career Criminal.” Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the conviction, which relates to an incident on April 3, 2024, on Hollygrove Street.
Matthews faced a three-count federal indictment. The charges included carjacking under Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119; brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence under Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c); and being a felon in possession of a firearm under Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Prosecutors also sought a sentencing enhancement due to Matthews’ previous convictions for violent crimes.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Matthews approached two contractors renovating a house and used a semi-automatic handgun to demand keys and wallets. He then fled in their Ford F-350 work truck. Security footage captured his approach but not the robbery itself. After the vehicle was reported stolen, it was spotted by Levee Board police officers in Gentilly. A high-speed chase ensued until the truck collided with an 18-wheeler at Franklin Ave. and Mendez Street. Matthews was apprehended wearing the victim’s jacket and carrying his wallet; a semi-automatic firearm was found inside the truck.
To establish Matthews as an Armed Career Criminal, prosecutors demonstrated his involvement in multiple offenses from May 2022: two armed carjackings and one armed robbery. His criminal history revealed guilty pleas to these charges on June 3, 2023.
For his current conviction, Matthews faces up to 15 years for carjacking and between seven years to life for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentence for this count must be served consecutively with any other sentences. As an Armed Career Criminal, he faces no less than 15 years to life imprisonment overall—a mandatory minimum of at least 22 years is expected when sentenced by Judge Sarah S. Vance on November 5, 2025.
The case involved investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and Levee Board Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorneys Maurice Landrieu and Sarah Dawkins as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
