United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW ORLEANS – SHELDON SMITH SR. (“SMITH”), age 60, of New Orleans, LA, was sentenced on July 28, 2026, by United States District Judge Jay Zainey after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute drugs, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

SMITH was sentenced to 18 months as to Count 1 and 60 months as to Count 2, followed by five (5) years of supervised release, and payment of a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. 

According to the indictment, on or about December 17, 2024, SMITH possessed with intent to distribute, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone. It is further alleged that SMITH possessed two firearms, a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter handgun and a Taurus Model G2C, .40 caliber handgun, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.