New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Machinegun Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RENARD SANTIAGO, age 18, of New Orleans, was indicted on February 8, 2024, for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act.

SANTIAGO is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846. He is charged in Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 3 with possessing a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(B)(ii). He is charged in Count 4 with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).

As to Counts 1 and 2, SANTIAGO faces up to 5 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least two years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 3, he faces a minimum of 30 years in prison up to a maximum sentence of life, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 4, he faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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. 

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.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.