The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana has announced that Odine Dominick, a 34-year-old man from New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to multiple offenses including possession with the intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl and marijuana, and firearm-related crimes. The charges stem from an investigation that involved surveillance and the execution of a search warrant at Dominick's residence, where significant quantities of drugs, ammunition, and a loaded handgun were found.

Dominick's prior criminal history includes convictions for conspiracy to distribute heroin, attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Due to these prior convictions, he faces enhanced sentencing for his latest crimes. The maximum penalties for the charges include a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison for the drug trafficking offense, a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison for the firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and up to 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Each count also comes with potential fines and additional supervised release.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country by combining the efforts of various law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The initiative is focused on building trust within communities, supporting preventative programs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department, with the prosecution being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution of deadly substances like fentanyl and to remove dangerous individuals with access to firearms from the streets.