New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 2, 2023, JONATH WILLIAMSON, age 39, pled guilty to Counts 1 through 4 of an indictment that charged him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) (Count 1); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Count 2); being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g) and 924(a)(8) (Count 3); and, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(k) and 924(a)(1)(B )(Count 4).

As to Count 1, WILLIAMSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.  As to Count 2, WILLIAMSON faces a term of imprisonment between five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release.  As to Count 3, WILLIAMSON faces a term of imprisonment of up to fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to Count 4, WILLIAMSON faces a term of imprisonment up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to each count, WILLIAMSON also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  WILLIAMSON is set for sentencing on February 27, 2024.

According to court documents, on March 16, 2023, members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Special Response Team (SRT), NOPD Violent Crime Abatement Investigative Team (VCAIT), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force (NOVCTF), executed a search warrant at a location on Camelia Street, in New Orleans.  WILLIAMSON was present at the time of the warrant’s execution and was arrested based on outstanding NOPD warrants for theft.  A search of WILLIAMSON revealed distributable amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in seven small bags in his front pocket.  Additionally, WILLIAMSON was found  in possession of over $2,900 in U.S currency, drug paraphernalia, and multiple keys and key fobs.

Among the items in WILLIAMSON’s possession was the key fob to a black Dodge Ram truck on the scene.  Inside the vehicle, agents located two firearms: a stolen Smith & Wesson Model M&P M2.0, .40 caliber pistol and a Palmetto Armory Model PA-15, 5.56 caliber rifle, with an obliterated serial number.  Also inside of the vehicle were quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia consistent with distribution.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.