Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Jefferson Parish Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DAMION SMITH, age 22, of Metairie, Louisiana, was indicted on September 15, 2023, for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act. Specifically, he is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) and one count of possessing machine guns, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, SMITH was previously convicted of felony offenses in Jefferson Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. On June 29, 2023, SMITH was found in possession of two (2) firearms, both of which were equipped with a Glock auto-sear. The auto-sear devices converted the semi-automatic firearms into fully-automatic machine guns.
If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, SMITH faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of machine guns, SMITH faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on each count.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit.
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