Evergreen Reporter

Ernest Green, age 55, a New Orleans resident, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms. Green received a sentence of 78 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, the Federal Bureau Investigation - New Orleans Gang Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department investigated Green for his involvement in a drug distribution operation in September 2020. The investigation included multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Green. Agents executing a search warrant at Green’s residence found 28.7 grams of cocaine and two illegal firearms.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that unites all levels of law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on fostering trust in communities, supporting community-based organizations to prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation - New Orleans Gang Task Force with assistance from the New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Gretna Major Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit handled the prosecution.