Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials conducted multi-agency operations over the past several months to reduce violent crime in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and surrounding communities.
The efforts resulted in 52 federal indictments charging 68 defendants with drug trafficking, illegal firearm and other violent crime offenses. The efforts also led to the seizure of illegal firearms, narcotics, and other contraband. Assistant U.S. attorneys are prosecuting the federal cases.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison Travis stated, “These initiatives underscore the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Enhanced information-sharing and resource allocation among participating agencies are instrumental to effectively combat violent crime. I would like to thank the Department of Justice and Governor Landry for surging federal and state resources to help fight crime in Baton Rouge.”
The agencies that worked together and announced the results on Wednesday are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Probation and Parole, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, and East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office.
The initiatives are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN in May. Changes are based on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
“From the very beginning, I made a commitment to reduce crime across our state. We started that mission in New Orleans and achieved remarkable success. Now, thanks to the strong collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners, we are taking down violent criminal networks throughout the Capital Region,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Operation Violent Crime Takedown was a huge success, made possible by the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers. This is just the beginning. Together, we are ushering in a new era of safety and opportunity for Baton Rouge and for communities across Louisiana.”