KENNETH JACKSON, a 33-year-old resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on August 20, 2025, to violating the Federal Gun Control Act. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Court records indicate that in March 2024, the FBI conducted aerial surveillance at an apartment complex in New Orleans East as part of a murder investigation from the previous day. Agents observed a Toyota Camry with rear bumper damage parked behind the complex and believed it was connected to the case. When agents blocked the vehicle’s exit, JACKSON and another male fled on foot but were apprehended shortly after leaving the car. JACKSON was found carrying a .45 caliber pistol. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm as part of a multi-defendant indictment.
Sentencing for JACKSON is scheduled for January 30, 2026. He faces up to fifteen years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which coordinates efforts among law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence nationwide. In May 2021, the Department launched an updated strategy for PSN focused on building community trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Police Department, and New Orleans District Attorney’s Office in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Liz Privitera and Sarah Dawkins are prosecuting out of the Violent Crime Unit.
