New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Machinegun Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that RALPH PRICE, age 27, was charged by a federal grand jury on April 4, 2025, in a three-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act.

PRICE is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Suboxone, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 841(b)(1)(E). He is charged in Count 2 with possessing a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(B)(ii). He is charged in Count 3 with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).

As to Count 1, PRICE faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. As to Count 3, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

According to the indictment, on or about March 13, 2025, PRICE possessed methamphetamine, Suboxone, and marijuana with the intent to distribute those substances. PRICE also possessed a Glock Model 19 pistol, equipped with a machinegun conversion device, in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, 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 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).