NEW ORLEANS, LA — Shane Bolden, 36, of New Orleans, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal drug and firearms charges, including possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk handed down the sentence on April 30, 2025, which also includes three years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment fee.
Case Background:
On April 8, 2024, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) executed a search warrant at Bolden’s residence. Officers discovered:
- Over a pound of marijuana packaged for distribution
- Eight firearms, including:
- Semi-automatic pistols loaded with armor-piercing and hollow point rounds
- A stolen Glock Model 22
- Several military-style pistols including a Zastava PAP M85 NP and Romarm/Cugir Mini Draco
- More than $108,000 in cash
Bolden is legally prohibited from owning firearms due to prior felony convictions, including a previous conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
As part of his plea agreement, Bolden agreed to forfeit all firearms and cash to the federal government.
Federal Focus on Gun Crime:
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing gun violence and violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to targeting illegal firearms possession by repeat offenders.
Investigating and Prosecuting Agencies:
- Investigated by:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- New Orleans Police Department (NOPD)
- Prosecuted by:
- Assistant U.S. Attorney David Berman, Violent Crime Unit
Source:
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
🔗 justice.gov (Press release, April 30, 2025)
This sentence underscores the federal government’s no-tolerance stance on armed drug trafficking, particularly by individuals with prior felony records.
