NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MOHAMED H.M. ZEIDAN, a/k/a “Sebastian Marcello, a/k/a “Sebastian York” (“ZEIDAN”), age 33, a native of Palestine, pled guilty on August 25, 2026, to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana. Sentencing is set for November 24, 2026.
According to the charging document, on or about August 3, 2023, ZEIDAN, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a MC9 semi-automatic pistol and a RF-15 semi-automatic rifle.
ZEIDAN, a native and national of Palestine entered the United States as a B2 visitor. He overstayed his visa and thus became an illegal alien. On August 3, 2023, in Kenner, Louisiana, ZEIDAN, knowingly possessed two firearms, a Girsan model MC9, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Radical Firearms model RF-15, 5.56 x 45millimeter multi - caliber semi-automatic rifle. The firearms were discovered in his apartment. No other persons in the apartment claimed knowledge or ownership of the firearms. ZEIDAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Homeland Security Investigations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office made significant contributions to the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of 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.* * *