DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Louisiana

For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Duane A. Evans
, United States Attorney

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Illegally Possessing Two Machine Guns

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that XAVIER DUHON, age 20, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on April 14, 2023 in a one-count indictment for possession of a machine gun pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).

If convicted, DUHON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

New Orleans Field Division