A New Orleans man has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison following his guilty plea to drug and firearm charges. Brandon Turner, 39, received his sentence on August 26, 2025, from United States District Judge Susie Morgan. Turner had previously pleaded guilty to three counts: 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.
Turner was sentenced to a total of 210 months for the three counts. The term includes 150 months for the first and third counts, which will run concurrently, and an additional 60 months for the second count, which will be served consecutively. Upon release from prison, Turner will be subject to four years of supervised release for all three counts, served concurrently. He is also required to pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
Court documents show that Turner was arrested on January 30, 2024, for suspected narcotics trafficking. During a search of his apartment, law enforcement officers found fentanyl, ammunition, and a Glock Model 43 nine-millimeter pistol. Turner was aware that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his status as a convicted felon.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department of Justice enhanced its violent crime reduction strategy related to PSN on May 26, 2021 by focusing on building community trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, prioritizing targeted enforcement efforts, and tracking outcomes.
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell prosecuted the matter as part of the Violent Crime Unit.
