New Orleans Man Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - THOMAS VIRGIL, a/k/a "Savage," a/k/a "Tom Virgil," ("VIRGIL"), age 30, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on April 16, 2026, before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long to five counts in a superseding indictment pending against him, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

Count One charged VIRGIL with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and (b)(1)(D). Count Three charged VIRGIL with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). Count Five charged VIRGIL with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Count Thirteen charged VIRGIL with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D). Count Fifteen charged VIRGIL with being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, VIRGIL possessed fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, with the intent to distribute these illegal substances in Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish. VIRGIL also possessed firearms as a prohibited person, and to further his drug trafficking crimes.

As to Count One, VIRGIL faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, followed by at least three (3) years of supervised release and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000. As to Count Three, VIRGIL faces a minimum consecutive sentence of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, followed by up to five (5) years of supervised release and/or a fine of up to $250,000. As to Count Five, VIRGIL faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release and/or a fine of up to $250,000. As to Count Thirteen, VIRGIL faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, followed by at least two (2) years of supervised release and/or a fine of up to $250,000. As to Count Fifteen, VIRGIL faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release and/or a fine of up to $250,000. As to each of these specified counts, VIRGIL also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

United States Attorney David I. Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

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).

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