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3 Louisiana Men Sentenced to More than 14 Years Combined for Firearms Charges

Louisiana – Three men from Shreveport, Louisiana, were sentenced on June 10, 2022, for illegally possessing firearms, according to United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced two of the men, LilTerrence Pierce, 27, and Keyon Coleman, 19. Pierce was sentenced to 87 months (12 years, 3 months) in prison, while Coleman was sentenced to 30 months (2 years, 6 months). Following their release from prison, the men will be subjected to three years of supervised release.

A Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on or about July 20, 2021, for traffic violations such as speeding and expired inspection registration. Pierce was the vehicle’s driver, and Coleman was seated in the back passenger seat. The deputy conducted a lawful search of the vehicle during the encounter and recovered three firearms, including a FNH.45 caliber pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition, a Palmetto State Armory 5.56 caliber pistol loaded with 41 rounds of ammunition, and a Glock 9mm pistol with an extended magazine loaded with 32 rounds of ammunition.

One of the weapons was reported stolen. Pierce admitted to having the firearms despite knowing he couldn’t because he was a convicted felon. Coleman admitted to buying the stolen firearm with a loaded, extended magazine on the streets for a fraction of the retail price, knowing it was likely stolen.

Pierce had prior felony convictions for illegal use of a weapon (January 2012 and April 2018) and simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling (May 2012 and October 2013), and he was aware that he was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.

Darrien Demarqez Johnson, 29, was sentenced in an unrelated case by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 120 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On May 12, 2021, Louisiana State Police troopers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in which Johnson was a passenger. Following the stop, Johnson fled on foot, carrying a Saiga rifle and a backpack containing a Beretta pistol. Johnson threw the backpack and rifle during the foot chase, but they were quickly recovered by troopers.

Johnson was later arrested and charged with felon in possession of firearms. He had previously been convicted of domestic abuse battery in 2010 and 2018, making him ineligible to possess a firearm or ammunition. On February 11, 2022, Johnson was charged and pleaded guilty.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on violent criminals, which directs all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to collaborate with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, as well as the local community, to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. Visit justice.gov/psn to learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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