DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

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

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Duane A. Evans
, United States Attorney

New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking and Weapons Charges

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FURRELL JOHNSON, age 33, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to a two-count indictment charging him with Carjacking and violating the Federal Gun Control Act.

Specifically, JOHNSON pleaded guilty to the carjacking of a Honda CRV on October 13, 2022. JOHNSON admitted that he pointed a handgun at the victim while he committed the offense.

On Count 1, the carjacking, JOHNSON faces a maximum of fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. On Count 2, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, he faces a minimum of seven years to a maximum of life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to five years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.

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 and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller.

New Orleans Field Division