Harvey Man Guilty of Being Felon in Possession of a Firearm

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MIGUEL KEELEN ("KEELEN"), age 35, of Harvey, La., pled guilty on August 29, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, KEELEN possessed a firearm on December 11, 2023 while at a Valero Gas Station on South Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans. Specifically, KEELEN displayed and drew a pistol from his waistband before then concealing the pistol and fleeing from police. KEELEN was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions.

KEELEN faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2024.

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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger of the Violent Crimes Unit.