Ricky Wilson, a 31-year-old resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long on November 18, 2025. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Wilson admitted to placing three live Molotov cocktails next to vehicles at a dealership lot and firing several shots into vehicles and the office structure at the same location. According to court documents, no injuries occurred as the incident took place in the early morning hours. Wilson had previously purchased a vehicle from the dealership involved in the offense.
Wilson faces up to five years in prison, a fine that could reach $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. He may also be required to pay restitution for damages caused during the incident. He is currently being held in Jefferson Parish on unrelated charges.
“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,” according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson’s office. “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.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller is handling prosecution duties.