Louisiana Felon Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison After Authorities Locate a Firearm During Execution of Search Warrant

Published April 09, 2023

Louisiana Felon Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison After Authorities Locate a Firearm During Execution of Search Warrant

Louisiana – A Louisiana felon has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after authorities located a firearm during the execution of a search warrant.

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the conclusion of a case in the Western District of Louisiana’s Lafayette Division. , United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Nathan Zenon, Jr., 39, of Youngsville, Louisiana.

Nathan Zenon, Jr., 39, of Youngsville, Louisiana was sentenced to 68 months (5 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm. On May 10, 2017, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted Zenon enter a residence in Youngsville and sought to serve him with an outstanding arrest warrant. Zenon revealed to deputies after his arrest that he had marijuana in his vehicle and consented to a search. Two small packages of marijuana, a digital scale, and a magazine for a .45 caliber pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition were discovered by deputies.

A search warrant was secured, and deputies discovered a loaded Springfield 9mm pistol in the bedroom. Zenon could not be ruled out as a contributor to the firearm based on DNA evidence. Furthermore, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) inspected the firearm and discovered it to be functioning, produced in Croatia, and imported via Illinois, implying interstate commerce. Zenon had past felony convictions for cocaine possession and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana (2006), and he was aware that he was not permitted to carry a firearm or ammunition. On November 7, 2022, he pleaded guilty to the charge of felon in possession of a firearm.

The ATF and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon.