NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On September 24, 2026, EVANTRELL TENNESSEE (“TENNESSEE”), 28, from New Orleans, was charged in a two-count indictment, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
In Count 1 TENNESSEE was charged for possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). TENNESSEE faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In Count 2 TENNESSEE was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(1) and 924(a)(8). TENNESSEE faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to the indictment, on or about June 3, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, TENNESSEE, did knowingly possess a machinegun, and knowing that that he had been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, which prohibits the possession of a firearm. U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 Elizabeth Privitera 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. ***