NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced on August 12, 2026, that KEN DOOLEY (“DOOLEY”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to a three-count superseding indictment charging him with carjacking and Federal Gun Control Act violations. In Count One, DOOLEY is charged with carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). DOOLEY faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100. In Count Two, DOOLEY is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). DOOLEY faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100. In Count Three, DOOLEY is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). DOOLEY faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment of $100.

U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk will sentence DOOLEY on December 2, 2026. According to court documents, on February 25, 2026, while a vehicle was stopped at a red light, DOOLEY pointed a black semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine at the two occupants through the vehicle’s window. DOOLEY then racked the slide of the firearm and ordered both women to exit the vehicle. DOOLEY also instructed them to leave their phones and purses inside the car. Both individuals complied with DOOLEY’s demands and exited the Nissan. DOOLEY got into the driver’s seat and fled on Canal Street. One of the passengers tracked her iPhone, which was left behind in the car, to the 8300 block of Palm Street, in New Orleans. Approximately 30 minutes later, police officers arrived at the 8400 block of Palm Street and located the white Nissan backed into the driveway. A male identified as DOOLEY, who matched the full description of the carjacking suspect, fled from the residence.

While at the residence where the vehicle was located, officers searched the vehicle and located a black Glock semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine on the center console. This gun matched the description of the firearm provided by the victims.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, just two days later, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents received information that DOOLEY was at his residence. Agents then set up surveillance of the residence. Agents observed DOOLEY exit the residence and enter a silver Nissan Sentra. Agents followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. DOOLEY was then taken into custody.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime 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.* * *