Tim Jackson, also known as “T-Maf” and “Maf,” was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms possession. The sentencing took place on February 25, 2026, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced the sentence, which also includes five years of supervised release and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
Jackson entered a guilty plea after four days of trial to avoid a potential life sentence if convicted. His co-defendants—Terran Williams, Tyrone Bovia, and Javonta Doleman—went to trial in spring 2025 and were found guilty of several charges including two counts of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (Murder). Each faces a mandatory life sentence.
Jackson was identified as a leader of the Byrd Gang, which is also known by names such as M3RE, MagFischer, 315, and Piff Gang. The group operated mainly from the former Magnolia Housing Development but had connections to the Westbank area. According to prosecutors, members distributed heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, marijuana and possessed numerous firearms on a daily basis.
The government linked Jackson and other gang members to several violent acts between 2016 and 2017. These included multiple shootings and murders involving both rival gangs and innocent bystanders. Evidence presented at trial showed that social media activity contributed to retaliatory violence between the Byrd Gang and the Ghost Gang.
Prosecutors relied on testimony from witnesses—including cooperating informants—police searches and seizures, wiretaps authorized under Title III statutes, historical arrests of enterprise members including Jackson himself among other sources. Jackson led the gang’s drug operations while acting as one of its gunmen.
Investigators recovered dozens of firearms with large-capacity magazines as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Byrd Gang members during their investigation.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and New Orleans Police Department for their roles in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins prosecuted it.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies at all levels along with community organizations. The Department’s updated strategy for PSN emphasizes building trust within communities while focusing on strategic enforcement priorities.
More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
