New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Gun Charges

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WARDELL FLETCHER (“FLETCHER”), age 48, a resident of New Orleans, was indicted on May 30, 2024, on three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

As to each count, if convicted, FLETCHER faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on December 27, 2023, FLETCHER, knowing he was a convicted felon, possessed a Taurus Model 608, .357 Magnum caliber revolver, and ammunition. On January 25, 2024, FLETCHER possessed a Intratec Model TEC-9, 9-millimeter pistol, bearing a partially obliterated serial number as well as the above-referenced Taurus Model 608, .357 Magnum caliber revolver and ammunition.

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. 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.