CHAKA STEWART PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL GUN CHARGE
CHAKA STEWART, age 31, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown to a one-count indictment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to court documents, STEWART was injured during a shootout on February 6, 2011. While receiving treatment at the University Hospital ER, the attending physician noticed a gun sticking out of STEWART’s back pocket. The doctor removed the weapon and notified the Hospital Police, who took custody of the gun and contacted the New Orleans Police Department. STEWART had been previously convicted of possession of cocaine (crack) on March 11, 2003 in the Parish of Orleans, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (crack) and possession with intent to distribute marijuana on March 14, 2008 in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. As such, he was prohibited by federal law from possessing the Taurus Model 605, .357 caliber revolver found in his in pocket.
Sentencing is to be held on November 8, 2012. At that time, STEWART faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department, University Hospital Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
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