Brandon Turner, a 39-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pled guilty to federal drug and gun charges. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the plea on May 27, 2025. Turner was charged with three counts in an indictment: possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Court documents reveal that Turner’s arrest took place on January 30, 2024, for suspected narcotics trafficking. A search of his apartment led law enforcement officers to discover fentanyl, ammunition, and a Glock Model 43 pistol. Turner acknowledged he was aware of his status as a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Turner faces significant penalties at sentencing. For Count One, he could receive between five to forty years in prison, along with fines up to $5 million and up to four years of supervised release. Count Two carries a minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, fines up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For Count Three, Turner faces up to fifteen years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Additionally, he must pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson commended the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in their investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell from the Violent Crime Unit is prosecuting the case.
