Prosecutors Secure Conviction in Case Involving Felon with Fentanyl, Firearm

NEW ORLEANS – The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) prosecutors secured the conviction of defendant Carl Jones after he was found with a large amount of Fentanyl, Cocaine, and a firearm. Due to the detailed work and preparation of the OPDA trial team, led by Assistant District Attorneys (ADA) Walker McInturff and Ian Kersting, Jones pled guilty as charged to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Possession of a Firearm with a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Fentanyl, and Resisting an Officer.

“This was truly a lifesaving arrest and conviction. Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs on our streets today, and is unfortunately, running rampant in our communities. It is directly responsible for claiming countless lives and tearing scores of families apart. The combination of hard drugs and firearms is a recipe that has repeatedly led to disastrous outcomes. And, as DA, the people of New Orleans can rest assured that I will do everything in my power to vigorously pursue those cases and rid our streets of illegal firearms and this destructive, deadly drug,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “I am proud of the hard work and dedication of ADAs McInturff and Kersting as well as the NOPD Officers, whose investigation led to the arrest in this case. Because of this strong partnership, lives have been saved and numerous people will return home to loved ones.”

According to NOPD reports, the defendant was apprehended on August 8, 2022. During his arrest, officers located over 11 grams of Fentanyl in 83 baggies, 15 grams of Cocaine, and a semi-automatic pistol.

The plea took place in Section I; Judge Raymond Bigelow presided. The defendant was sentenced to 5 years.