New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

Count 1 charged that HOLMES distributed quantities of cocaine on July 24, 2023, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 2 charged that HOLMES distributed quantities of cocaine on July 27, 2023, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 3 charged that HOLMES distributed forty (40) grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl on July 31, 2023, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count 4 charged that HOLMES distributed forty (40) grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl on August 4, 2023, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count 5 charged that HOLMES distributed forty (40) grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl on August 10, 2023, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count 6 charged that HOLMES knowingly sold a stolen firearm on August 25, 2024, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2).

For Counts 1 and 2, HOLMES faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release, if convicted. For Counts 3, 4, and 5, HOLMES faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release, if convicted. For Count 6, HOLMES faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years supervised release, if convicted. HOLMES also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

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.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit.