Nola Reporter

A New Orleans man has been indicted on federal drug and weapons charges. United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Talya Smith, age 29, was indicted on September 26, 2024, for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

Smith faces multiple charges. Count 1 includes possession with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, violating Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). Count 2 involves possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, under Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count 3 charges him with possession of a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). Finally, Count 4 accuses him of being a felon in possession of a firearm under Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)1).

For Count 1, Smith could face up to twenty years in prison, a fine up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release. For Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison—consecutively to all other sentences—a fine up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For Count 3, he could receive up to ten years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and three years supervised release. For Count 4, Smith faces up to fifteen years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 and three years supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

Court documents state that on or about March 31, 2024, Smith allegedly possessed tapentadol and marijuana with intent to distribute them. He also allegedly possessed a Glock Model 23 .40 caliber handgun with ammunition in furtherance of his drug distribution activities. The firearm reportedly had a machine gun conversion device attached. As a previously convicted felon aware of his prohibition from possessing firearms or ammunition.

U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that the indictment is merely an accusation and that guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021.

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives along with the New Orleans Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy from the Violent Crime Unit is leading the prosecution.