New Orleans Man Indicted For Federal Drug and Weapons Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TALYA SMITH (“SMITH”), age 29, of New Orleans, was indicted on September 26, 2024 for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts. 

SMITH is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 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 a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). In Count 3, he is charged with Possession of a Machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o), and in Count 4 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, SMITH 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 ten years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release.  Finally, as to Count 4,  SMITH faces up to fifteen years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.  Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

According to court documents, on or about March 31, 2024, SMITH allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana.  He also allegedly illegally possessed a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber handgun and ammunition in furtherance of his possession, with intent to distribute, tapentadol and marijuana.  Additionally, this firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached to it.  Lastly, as a previously convicted felon, SMITH knew he 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.