Aryan Brotherhood Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Murder-for-Hire Scheme

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JEFFERY HOWARD, age 46, of Nicholson, Mississippi, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1958(a).

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced HOWARD to a 120-month term of imprisonment to be followed by a three (3) year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, as a result of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Domestic Terrorism investigation, the New Orleans Joint Terrorism Task Force (“JTTF”) became aware of HOWARD, a known member of the Aryan Brotherhood, a violent white supremacy prison gang. HOWARD, who was allegedly involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine, sold drugs to an undercover law enforcement officer on numerous occasions. During one of the drug sales, HOWARD volunteered that he would be willing to commit a murder in exchange for money.  HOWARD later accepted payment to commit a murder.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Division JTTF for investigating this matter.   Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy was in charge of the prosecution