New Orleans Man Indicted For Federal Drug and Weapons Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DJOHN BRYANT ("BRYANT"), age 31, of New Orleans, was indicted on July 19, 2024 for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

BRYANT is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, tapentadol, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 2 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and he is charged in Count 3 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

As to Count 1, BRYANT faces up to twenty years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to Count 3, he faces up to fifteen years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

According to court documents, on or about February 4, 2024, BRYANT possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, tapentadol, and marijuana within the Eastern District of Louisiana. BRYANT also illegally possessed a Glock Model 27, .40 caliber handgun and ammunition, in furtherance of his possession with intent to distribute those drugs. As a previously convicted felon, BRYANT was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.