In a significant development for the ongoing battle against violent crime in New Orleans, Corey Lewis, also known as “Co,” has recently entered a guilty plea to a series of charges related to a violent crime conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Lewis pled guilty to robbery in Counts 1, 2, and 3 of the superseding bill of information. Count 1 charged Lewis with conspiring to interfere with commerce through robbery, Count 2 charged him with Hobbs Act Robbery, and Count 3 charged him with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The consequences of these guilty pleas are substantial. For Counts 1 and 2, Lewis faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release. In the case of Count 3, he faces a mandatory minimum term of five years imprisonment, up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release. Importantly, Count 3 must be served consecutively to any other sentence, further increasing the potential prison time. Additionally, Lewis faces a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count. The sentencing for Lewis is scheduled for February 21, 2024.
The Background of the New Orleans Case
The charges against Lewis stem from a larger investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into a group involved in various violent crimes and illegal drug trafficking activities, primarily centered in New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward section of New Orleans. Corey Lewis, along with nine others, was indicted for conspiring to possess firearms, traffic drugs, and commit armed robberies of drug dealers. Specifically, Lewis’s charges are connected to his involvement in the robbery of a drug dealer’s home on September 25, 2019, in St. Bernard Parish.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that aims to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, making neighborhoods safer for everyone. The program focuses on core principles such as fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Investigation and Agencies Involved
The case against Corey Lewis was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, highlighting the collaborative effort to combat violent crime in New Orleans. The primary agencies involved in the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. These agencies worked together to gather evidence and build a case against the individuals involved in the violent crime conspiracy.
Prosecution Leadership
The prosecution of Corey Lewis and his co-conspirators is being led by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit. Their expertise and dedication to the case reflect the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure that those responsible for violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.
Corey Lewis’s guilty plea to robbery and firearm charges marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to combat violent crime in New Orleans. The consequences of his guilty pleas demonstrate the severity with which these crimes are treated by the justice system. As the sentencing date approaches, the community and law enforcement agencies continue their work to make New Orleans a safer place for all its residents.
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