FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2024

OPDA Partners with NOPD, ATF to Seize Business at Center of Crime, Nuisance at 1201 N. Claiborne Avenue

New Orleans, LA – The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Joint Taskforce, has successfully seized and shuttered a notorious crime center at 1201 N. Claiborne Avenue. This operation marks a major victory for the Treme Neighborhood and the historic Claiborne Corridor.

The seized location had long been a source of crime, quality of life violations, and community outcry. This operation was a comprehensive collaboration aimed at relieving the community of a repeated bad actor who was driving up violent crime, property crime, and drug crimes.

“This isn’t just about shutting down a business. It’s about listening to the people who have lived here for generations and following the data to achieve better outcomes. We are proud to deliver on a promise and reclaim this area for the historic Treme community,” stated District Attorney Williams.

(Pictured: Chief of Operations & External Affairs Keith Lampkin)

District Attorney Williams expressed appreciation for the unified effort that led to this achievement. “Standing here today, I am proud to be shoulder to shoulder with colleagues, partners, and the community who have all contributed to this significant victory for the Treme Neighborhood and this historic corridor. Our Data Informed Community Engagement (NODICE) initiative worked closely with the ATF and NOPD Joint Taskforce, leading a thorough investigation of this tire shop, culminating in arrests and its seizure yesterday at approximately 9:30 am.”

The NODICE initiative, a key crime reduction unit of the District Attorney’s Office, is data-driven and supported by a multidisciplinary team.

Daniel Shanks, who serves as the OPDA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and leads the NODICE effort, spoke about the success of this operation. “This location was a known haven for criminal activity. The data showed it was one of the riskiest places in New Orleans. You were 28 times more likely to be a victim of crime at the corner of Claiborne and Esplanade. When we looked at the actual crimes that were occurring in this corridor, we found that over 46% of the incidents were coming from the 1200 block of Claiborne – where we stand today.”

(Pictured: Director of Strategic Initiatives Daniel Shanks)

Shanks heaped praise on the invaluable partners who made this effort a reality. Crediting the leadership and smart policing of 1st District Captain Kendrick Allen and his team (including Officers Kyle Hinrichs and James Weir) and ATF Agents Craig Blair and Tim Jones, who guided the operation and were represented by ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ford during the press conference.

In addition to the major boon from law enforcement, Shanks credited Rep. Knox for his focus and leadership in the Treme neighborhood that garnered support for this effort, as well as other key contributors like City of New Orleans Homeless Services Director Nate Fields, Code Enforcement Director Anthony Davis, and Claiborne Innovation District President Nyree Jones. There were also a host of residents and support staff on the ground who devoted their time, energy, and knowledge to this effort who deserve immense credit.

DA Williams closed, sharing the importance of this form of prevention work as a necessary part of public safety: “We can prosecute every arrest and work our hardest to bring justice in every case, but we won’t truly change our city and make an impact until we change facts on the ground and give every community their due support by cutting the cancers out.

This multiagency, multidiscipline partnership is a firm commitment from us all to do just that.”
Visit the New Orleans Data Informed Community Engagement Website Here