Gonzales Man Guilty of Federal Drug and Gun Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JULES GIBSON ("GIBSON"), age 39, formerly a resident of Gonzales, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 21, 2024, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and, to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, 846; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). GIBSON admitted that as a prior drug offender, he is subject to enhanced penalties for the conspiracy charge.

As to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute Cocaine, GIBSON faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and, at least 8 years of supervised release. As to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, GIBSON faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine and, up to three years of supervised release. Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

Sentencing in this matter is set for February 25, 2025.

Court documents court reflect that a co-defendant, who also pled guilty, was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO) deputies after they recovered several plastic bags containing cocaine and crack cocaine, a black digital scale, a Black Taurus Model PT 24/7 PRO handgun with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of .45 ammo and his cell phone, from his pick-up truck. Examination of the co-defendant's cell phone by the JPSO and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, uncovered text messages, photographs and other information documenting his drug trafficking activities. Additionally, the cell phone examination identified GIBSON and revealed his own drug related purchases and payments. GIBSON was later arrested by JPSO in possession of a Taurus Model PT140 PRO, .40 caliber pistol.

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. 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 case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.