Two Felons From Louisiana Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses After a High-Speed Chase

New Orleans, Louisiana – On November 9, 2022, United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Anthony Pittman, age 33, of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 1, 2022. His co-defendant, Joseph Woods, age 31, of Metairie Louisiana, was sentenced on November 7, 2022. They both previously pleaded guilty as charged to a three-count indictment. Count 1 charged the defendants with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); Count 2 charged them with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and Count 3 charged them with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

Pittman and Woods were both previously convicted of drug trafficking, as well as additional felony weapon and drug violations in Jefferson Parish, according to court filings. Because of these convictions, neither of them is permitted to possess a firearm. They have now been convicted of numerous firearm possession and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base ("crack"), and heroin. On October 4, 2020, the two were caught after a high-speed chase during an attempted traffic stop in Westwego, Louisiana. The drugs were discovered in two camouflage bags that investigators discovered inside the car but were tossed on the side of the road as the defendants attempted to flee. Additional evidence consistent with drug trafficking was discovered in the vehicle's center console.

Pittman received a cumulative sentence of 322 months in prison. On Count 1 240 months, Count 2, 262 months, and Count 3, 60 months. Counts 1 and 2 must run concurrently, whereas Count 3 must run sequentially. He will be released from prison after three years of supervised release.

Woods was sentenced to a total of 262 months in prison. Count 1 will run for 202 months, Count 2, for 120 months, and Count 3 will be 60 months. Counts 1 and 2 must run concurrently, whereas Count 3 must run sequentially. He will be released from prison after three years of supervised release.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve together to minimize violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy to strengthen PSN on May 26, 2021, based on the following core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The Westwego Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Strauss.