Bogalusa Man with Multiple Prior Convictions Sentenced to Probation for federal Firearms Offense

NEW ORLEANS - Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that OTRAVIOUS ROMEL HARRIS, SR. ("HARRIS"), age 44, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced on September 9, 2025, to five years of probation, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). This statute carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years in a federal penitentiary, as well as up to 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. According to court records, the United States Sentencing Guidelines called for a sentence of 70-87 months in prison, based on his significant criminal history, that included prior convictions and prison terms for Distribution of Cocaine, and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine in 2006, as well as Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Oxycodone, and Alprazolam, and Aggravated Flight from an Officer and Possession of Oxycodone in 2018. United States District Judge Darrell James Papillion granted HARRIS' motion for a downward departure and sentenced HARRIS to 5 years of probation. This sentence was imposed over the objection of the United States Attorney's Office, who sought a jail sentence as called for by the Guidelines. HARRIS was charged in federal court with being a felon in possession of a firearm after he was the subject of a traffic stop on June 22, 2022. During the traffic stop officers observed that HARRIS was smoking marijuana. During a search of his vehicle officers located a loaded Glock 9mm handgun. DNA test of the firearm showed that HARRIS' DNA was on the firearm. HARRIS pled guilty as charged to this federal offense on November 5, 2024.

As part of his probation, HARRIS must not violate any local, state, or federal laws, and he will have a curfew where he will have to remain in his house from 9:00 pm until 5:00 am. He will also have to report to his probation officer.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.

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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.