Bossier police responding to concerned neighbors’ complaints recover firearms in drug trafficking operation; 2 men sentenced to federal prison (DOJ)

SHREVEPORT - On August 20, 2026, United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks sentenced Melvin Lee Johnson, 23, of Bossier City, to over nine years in federal prison, plus three years supervised release, for Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Firearms During a Drug Trafficking Offense. Johnson previously pled guilty on April 28, 2026.

The same day, Judge Hicks also sentenced Johnson's associate, Jarrod De'Angelo Stith, 23, of Shreveport, to over five years in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Possession of Firearms During a Drug Trafficking Offense related to the same incident. Stith had also pled guilty.

"Members of our community did exactly what they should to protect their families and neighborhood-they stayed alert and worked together to report suspicious activity," said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. "Their sense of responsibility and willingness to get involved helped law enforcement disrupt a dangerous situation and recover illegal drugs and firearms before someone was hurt or killed."

According to court documents, on May 21, 2025, Bossier City Police Department (BCPD) officers went to a Bossier residence after neighbors complained about loud music, drug use, and disorderly conduct. When officers got there, they saw several people gathered near a black Nissan SUV. Johnson was sitting on the hood of the SUV near a backpack. Stith then threw the backpack over a fence. Officers recovered the backpack and found twenty-seven small baggies of marijuana that amounted to about 400 grams. They also found a scale, empty baggies used for packaging drugs, and a loaded Micro Draco pistol. Officers also recovered another stolen firearm during a pat down of Stith.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and BCPD investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Allison C. Foster with the assistance of Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer under Case Number 5:25-cr-00248-01.

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