On December 3, 2024, Maurice Stewart of 2542 East Lebray St. Lutcher, LA, age 26, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Unlawful Handling of a Machine Gun. Stewart was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Koenig, and presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Cody Martin. This guilty plea was the result of a plea agreement with prosecutors in connection with a 2023 arrest in St. James Parish. 

          On March 17, 2023, St. James Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a Lutcher residence in reference to a juvenile complaint. While investigating this complaint, deputies made entry into an abandoned residence searching for involved subjects. Upon making entry into the residence, a black male subject fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the subject was detained and identified as Maurice Stewart. While clearing the abandoned residence for the unrelated complaint, deputies observed in plain view suspected narcotics, materials associated with the packaging and distribution of narcotics, along with two firearms. Deputies secured a search warrant for the residence and executed a thorough search. During the search, deputies located quantities of various narcotics, a .40 caliber handgun, and an AK-47 pistol. During a criminal history check, deputies learned that Stewart had a prior felony conviction for Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms. Maurice Stewart was arrested and transported to the St. James Parish Jail where he was booked accordingly. 

          Upon entering a guilty plea to the above-mentioned charges, pursuant to the plea agreement with prosecutors, Maurice Stewart was sentenced to 12 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections with credit for time served.