Jefferson Parish Felons Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY PITTMAN, age 33, of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 1, 2022. His co-defendant, JOSEPH WOODS, age 31, of Metairie Louisiana, was sentenced on November 7, 2022. They both previously pleaded guilty as charged to a three-count indictment. Count 1 charged the defendants with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); Count 2 charged them with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and Count 3 charged them with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, PITTMAN and WOODS were both previously convicted of drug trafficking, among other felony firearm and drug offenses in Jefferson Parish. Due to these convictions, it is unlawful for either of them to possess a firearm. They are now convicted of possessing multiple firearms and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), and heroin. The two were apprehended after a high-speed chase during an attempted traffic stop on October 4, 2020 in Westwego, Louisiana. The drugs were found in two camouflage bags which were originally seen by officers inside the car but thrown on the side of the road as the defendants tried to escape. Additional evidence consistent with drug trafficking was found in the center console of the vehicle.
PITTMAN was sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 322 months. This consists of 240 months for Count 1, 262 months for Count 2, and 60 months for Count 3. Counts 1 and 2 are to run concurrently, while Count 3 will run consecutively. Upon release from prison, he will serve a term of three years of supervised release.
WOODS was sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 262 months. This consists of 202 months for Count 1, 120 months for Count 2, and 60 months for Count 3. Counts 1 and 2 are to run concurrently, while Count 3 will run consecutively. Upon release from prison, he will serve a term of three years of supervised release.
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 the Westwego Police department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.
