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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EMANUEL ROSS, age 24, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on Friday, in a three-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Drug Control Acts.

ROSS is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); in Count 2 with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c); and in Count 3 with possession of a machinegun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). Count 2 of the indictment alleges that ROSS possessed 10 different guns in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

As to Count 1, ROSS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.  For Count 2, ROSS faces a consecutive term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years up to life imprisonment to be served consecutive to any other term imposed, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release.  For Count 3, ROSS faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years , up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  Finally, ROSS must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.