Nola Reporter

Miguel Keelen, age 35, of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 29, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to being a felon in possession of a firearm. This violation falls under Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), as announced by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

Court documents reveal that Keelen possessed a firearm on December 11, 2023, at a Valero Gas Station on South Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans. He displayed and drew a pistol from his waistband before concealing it and fleeing from police. Due to previous felony convictions, Keelen was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Keelen faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2024.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites various levels of law enforcement and community entities to reduce violent crime and gun violence with the aim of making neighborhoods safer. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring results.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department investigated this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger from the Violent Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.