Rashuad Fontenberry, 33, formerly of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on August 19, 2025, to a carjacking charge before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long. The charge is a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 2119 and carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Judge Long has ordered a pre-sentence report and set sentencing for December 2, 2025.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on September 5, 2022. The victim stopped at a local gas station in New Orleans to buy snacks and parked her car next to the fuel pumps. After she exited her vehicle, Fontenberry approached her along with another male perpetrator. They ordered the victim to hand over her belongings while Fontenberry’s hand was observed near or on a firearm. The victim complied by giving them her keys and cell phone. Both men entered the vehicle with Fontenberry in the driver’s seat but fled on foot when customers from the store came outside. Police later identified both suspects.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that coordinates law enforcement agencies and communities in efforts to reduce violent crime and gun violence nationwide. In May 2021, the Department implemented an updated strategy for PSN focused on building community trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations working to prevent violence before it starts, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the New Orleans Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller from the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting.
