A Metairie resident, Kernelius Alford, 35, has pleaded guilty to federal firearm and narcotics violations in New Orleans. The plea was entered on December 4, 2025, according to Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Alford admitted guilt to two counts from a six-count superseding bill of information: possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges are violations of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.
For the drug charge, Alford faces up to five years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and at least two years of supervised release. For the firearm offense as a convicted felon, he could receive up to fifteen years imprisonment, another $250,000 fine, and up to three years supervised release. He is also subject to a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
Court documents show that on May 2, 2024, deputies from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office tried to stop Alford’s vehicle using lights and siren but were unsuccessful. Alford led police on a high-speed chase through Metairie that ended when he struck another vehicle but continued driving before stopping abruptly. He then fled on foot but was apprehended by law enforcement officers.
A search of his vehicle revealed a Glock Model 19 nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine; plastic baggies; a scale; approximately 157 grams of marijuana; and a Romarm Model Mini Draco AK47 semi-automatic pistol chambered in 7.62x39mm. Alford later admitted possessing both the drugs with intent to distribute and the firearms as a convicted felon.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative involving various levels of law enforcement working together with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence nationwide.
“Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department.” The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell from the Violent Crimes Unit.
