A New Orleans resident, Erin Alonzo, was indicted on March 5 for multiple federal charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a machinegun, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, according to United States Attorney David I. Courcelle on Mar. 17.
The indictment alleges that Alonzo, age 28, possessed fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. He is also accused of possessing several firearms—including a Glock Model 23 pistol modified as a machinegun—in furtherance of drug trafficking activities. Due to a prior felony conviction related to obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation, Alonzo is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
If convicted on the various charges, Alonzo faces significant penalties: up to forty years imprisonment for drug distribution; five years to life imprisonment for possessing a firearm during drug trafficking; up to ten years for illegal machinegun possession; and up to fifteen years for being a felon in possession of firearms or ammunition. Each charge also carries potential fines ranging from $250,000 to $5 million and supervised release terms between three and five years. A mandatory special assessment fee applies per offense.
United States Attorney Courcelle said: “the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and New Orleans Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman is prosecuting it as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies and communities.
Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results. More information about PSN can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by local and federal authorities to address gun violence and narcotics offenses in New Orleans.
