NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – GIE PRESTON (“PRESTON”), age 51, a resident of Orleans, was charged in a three-count indictment on October 2, 2026, for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court records, on or about June 11, 2026, PRESTON allegedly knowingly and possessed controlled substances with the intent to distribute, possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and illegally possessed firearms knowing that he had felony convictions.

In Count 1, PRESTON was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and buprenorphine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(E). In Count 2, he was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). In Count 3, PRESTON was charged with felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). For Count 1, PRESTON faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. For Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to life imprisonment (consecutive sentence), at least five (5) years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. As to Count 3, PRESTON faces a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment (under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(8)), up to 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. He also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Aaron of the Violent Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

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.* * *