Tim Jackson, also known as “T-Maf” and “Maf,” pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and firearms conspiracy after three days of trial in federal court. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson. Jackson led the Byrd Gang, also referred to as M3RE, MagFischer, 315, and Piff Gang, which operated out of the former Magnolia Housing Development in New Orleans.
The Byrd Gang distributed heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana on a daily basis while possessing multiple firearms. Jackson participated in various drug trafficking activities and violent crimes connected to the gang.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that members of the Byrd Gang were involved in several violent incidents. These included murders and shootings targeting rivals and members of another group known as the Ghost Gang between 2016 and 2017.
Authorities gathered evidence from witness testimony, cooperating informants and defendants, police searches and seizures, wiretaps authorized under Title III, historical arrests of gang members including Jackson himself, among other sources. The government’s case demonstrated that Jackson served as a leader within the Byrd Gang and acted as its main supplier of heroin. He was also described as a gunman for the organization.
Jackson conspired with others to participate in racketeering activities such as murder under Louisiana state law as well as drug trafficking under federal statutes. Between 2014 and his arrest in January 2017 on federal charges for which he remains incarcerated, Jackson regularly purchased large quantities of heroin from a supplier while leading the gang’s drug operations.
During trial proceedings it was revealed that there were numerous retaliatory shootings between the Byrd Gang and Ghost Gang. Many of these incidents were reportedly fueled by social media posts and rap music videos. Law enforcement recovered dozens of firearms with large-capacity magazines along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Byrd Gang members including Jackson.
Jackson has agreed to accept a 30-year prison sentence. Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Jane Triche Milazzo on January 14, 2026.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson acknowledged contributions from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins are prosecuting.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative involving all levels of law enforcement aimed at reducing violent crime through community partnerships and focused enforcement strategies. More information about PSN can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
