New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Cars Stolen from Norfolk Southern Railyard and Federal Gun and Drug Offenses Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana Byline: Shane M. Jones Dateline: New Orleans, Louisiana Date: 21 February 2024 Subjects: American Government , Crime

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MISTER MACKEY, JR., age 22, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on February 20, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to two counts of possessing goods stolen from an interstate shipment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 659; possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. MACKEY is the tenth and final defendant to plead guilty in this case.

According to court documents, on March 29, 2023,a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Crew Cab 4X4 and a 2023 Lincoln Aviator were stolen from the Norfolk Southern Automotive Distribution Facility. Between March 29 and April 3, 2023, MACKEY was observed on surveillance video occupying both stolen vehicles.

On August 19, 2023, MACKEY was the sole passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation. A vehicle search revealed backpacks containing marijuana, digital scales, and a Glock Model 17 handgun with a loaded 30-round magazine partially inserted in the gun, and an additional loaded drum magazine in the glove box. MACKEY possessed the marijuana for distribution, and also possessed the Glock Model 17 and ammunition. Previously, MACKEY had been convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and bank fraud.

Each count of possessing a stolen car carries a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to his conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, MACKEY faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of two years of supervised release. As to his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, MACKEY faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each count of conviction, MACKEY also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

Shane M. Jones

Public Information Officer

United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana

United States Department of Justice

Updated February 21, 2024