Nola Reporter

A New Orleans man, Robert Ball, has been sentenced to 248 months in prison for federal drug and firearm offenses. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans on February 6, 2025. Ball, aged 45, had previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan handed down the sentence, which includes 188 months for drug-related charges and an additional 60 months for the firearm offense. Following his imprisonment, Ball will serve five years of supervised release and pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.

The case originated when law enforcement in Ontario, California intercepted a package suspected of containing methamphetamine destined for New Orleans. Further investigation linked Felipe Garcia to similar packages sent from California to New Orleans via United Parcel Service. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) intercepted one such package before it reached its destination in New Orleans, identifying Ball as the intended recipient. Previously, Louisiana State Police had arrested Ball after discovering methamphetamine and firearms during a traffic stop.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program 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 under PSN on May 26, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Evans commended the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, and Ontario California Police Department in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot from the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting the case.