Nola Reporter

MELCOLM DOLLIOLE, a 39-year-old resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 3, 2025. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Dolliole faces charges in an eight-count superseding indictment.

Count 1 accuses him of distributing cocaine, while Count 2 involves the distribution of fentanyl. Both counts cite violations under Title 21 of the United States Code. Count 6 pertains to possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, also under Title 21. Count 7 charges Dolliole with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and Count 8 accuses him of being a felon in possession of a firearm, both violations falling under Title 18.

The indictment stems from an incident on November 18, 2024, when New Orleans police officers and federal agents arrested Dolliole for alleged violations related to the Federal Controlled Substances Act while he had firearms in his possession. It was later determined that he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.

If found guilty, Dolliole could face up to two decades in prison for Counts 1, 2, and 6 along with fines reaching $1 million and at least three years supervised release per count. For Count 7, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment consecutive to Count 6's sentence along with potential fines up to $250,000 and at least five years supervised release. For Count 8, penalties include up to fifteen years imprisonment with similar fines and supervised release terms as Count seven.

U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that "the indictment is merely a charge" and the defendant's guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which unites various law enforcement levels with communities aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence while ensuring safer neighborhoods for all citizens. The Department launched this strategy on May 26th focusing on trust-building within communities alongside strategic enforcement priorities among other goals.

The investigation involved collaboration between the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Troy L Bell from Violent Crimes Unit prosecutes this case.