A Dallas resident, Trevis Williams, age 46, has pleaded guilty to violating federal firearm laws after trying to board a flight with a loaded handgun.
Officials reported that Williams was apprehended with a Glock Model 30, .45 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, and nine rounds of ammunition in his carry-on luggage at Louis Armstrong International Airport on March 16, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to an FBI-led investigation, a TSA agent initially discovered the weapon during a routine security screening, prompting the involvement of local law enforcement and federal authorities.
It was revealed that Williams, who has a prior felony conviction, was legally prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition.
Following the discovery, the TSA agent informed the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, who confirmed the breach of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), as per the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Williams now faces significant penalties, including a potential maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance has set the sentencing date for December 16th, as detailed in court documents.
“Williams faces a maximum of fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee,” according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This violation is connected to Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a joint initiative focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence by connecting law enforcement with local communities. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the collaborative efforts of the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit, acknowledged by Simpson, leads the prosecution, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.