A New Orleans resident has pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearm charges, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Austin Montgomery, 37, entered his plea on November 20, 2025, admitting guilt to two counts in an indictment related to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.
Montgomery faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison for possession with intent to distribute more than forty grams of fentanyl. He may also be fined up to $5 million and is subject to at least four years of supervised release. For being a felon in possession of a firearm, Montgomery could receive up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee.
Court documents state that on September 14, 2023, officers from the New Orleans Police Department observed Montgomery conducting what appeared to be a drug transaction while under surveillance on Clio Street. After the exchange, Montgomery drove with another individual to a gas station on South Claiborne Avenue. Officers detained him there and recovered a Glock pistol from his waistband.
A search of Montgomery’s vehicle revealed additional firearms—a loaded rifle and another pistol—as well as fentanyl and items associated with drug distribution such as sandwich bags and a digital scale. A subsequent search at his residence uncovered further evidence linked to drug trafficking along with marijuana.
Montgomery is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier is scheduled to sentence Montgomery on February 26, 2026.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed by the Department of Justice that brings together law enforcement agencies and community groups with the goal of reducing violent crime and gun violence nationwide. The PSN program was strengthened in May 2021 through enhanced strategies focused on trust-building within communities, support for prevention organizations, targeted enforcement priorities, and results measurement. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
The investigation involved both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed is prosecuting the case.
