Three Shreveport-area men sentenced for drug trafficking and firearms offenses; prosecutions part of nationwide Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative (DOJ)

SHREVEPORT-On July 20, 2026, United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced three defendants to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. All three defendants had pled guilty to the charges.

Cameron Boatwin, 24, of Shreveport, was sentenced to six years in prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. According to court documents, on September 29, 2025, Shreveport Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Boatwin, who was the sole occupant. Officers saw a Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact 9mm pistol in plain view on the driver's seat, which Boatwin admitted to knowing he could not possess due to a prior felony conviction.

Malachi Bailey, 48, of Bossier City, was sentenced to three years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. According to court documents, on February 10, 2026, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Bossier City. They found a sole occupant inside, Bailey, and found approximately 635 grams of cocaine and $3,700 in US currency in the residence.

Dezjuante Lockett, 36, of Shreveport, was sentenced to two years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. According to court documents, the Shreveport Police Street Level Interdiction Unit received complaints of illegal drug activity at a residence in Shreveport. On April 9, 2025, Shreveport Police executed a search warrant at the residence; Lockett was the sole occupant at the time the warrant was executed and admitted he was the only person who lived at the residence. A search of the residence and Lockett's vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 33.339 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, approximately 5.332 grams of cocaine base, a digital scale and packaging material, a loaded Glock Model 19 pistol, and $5,290.00 in cash. Lockett admitted he knew he could not possess a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) and ATF investigated these cases. The Boatwin case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheynne Wilson with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan. The Bailey case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Crawford with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan. The Lockett case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Foster with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Emily Favrot.

These cases were prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America (TBA), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's agencies, and coordinates efforts with state and local law enforcement and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF), ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. Learn more about PSN at https://www.justice.gov/psn

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.govLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacerLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., under their respective Case Numbers:

Cameron Boatwin: 5:25-cr-00334

Malachi Bailey: 5:26-cr-00091

Dezjuante Lockett: 5:25-cr-00245

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