Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
A federal jury in Monroe, Louisiana, delivered a guilty verdict against 42-year-old Maurice Mitchell for illegal firearm possession. Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the verdict. The trial was overseen by Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty.
The jury heard evidence that Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a potential burglary at a storage facility in West Monroe on January 8, 2023. Upon arrival, they encountered two individuals, one of whom was Maurice Mitchell. Mitchell attempted to evade the deputies by fleeing on a bicycle. Despite initially escaping, he was apprehended after a short pursuit.
During the arrest, officers found a small bag that fell off Mitchell's bicycle, which contained a loaded .38 caliber revolver with five rounds. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives testified that the firearm was functional and had crossed state lines. Mitchell was indicted for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon on August 7, 2024.
Mitchell's criminal record includes prior felony convictions for multiple offenses, including attempting to disarm a peace officer and various drug-related charges.
After nearly five hours of deliberation, the jury found Mitchell guilty of the firearm possession charge. He faces up to 10 years of imprisonment, along with 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2025.
The case was a collaboration between the ATF and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Catherine Semmes and Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy.
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