A New Orleans man has pleaded guilty to federal firearm and drug trafficking charges. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that David Scott, 22, entered his plea on December 4, 2025, to two counts in an indictment.
Count One charges Scott with possession with intent to distribute Tapentadol, a controlled substance. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, at least three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for this charge.
Count Two charges him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. For this count, Scott faces a minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other term imposed. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, up to five years of supervised release, and another mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2026.
According to court documents, the case stems from an incident on August 3, 2023. A detective from the New Orleans Police Department conducted surveillance at a local convenience store and gas station and observed suspicious behavior by an individual later identified as Scott. Despite high temperatures during an excessive heat advisory in New Orleans—reportedly around 95 degrees—the suspect was wearing a yellow hoodie and appeared to be clutching something inside it.
The detective saw Scott return to his vehicle—a burgundy Kia sedan—and upon approaching him noticed a handgun with a drum magazine on the driver’s seat. Officers secured the weapon and arrested Scott. During the search following his arrest, police found 15 packs containing a total of 148 Tapentadol pills as well as $1,315 in cash.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together law enforcement agencies and community organizations aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence across communities by fostering trust and setting strategic enforcement priorities.
“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,” said Simpson. “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 Federal Bureau of Investigation collaborated with the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins is prosecuting the case.
