A federal court has sentenced a New Orleans gang leader to decades in prison after prosecutors said he played a central role in a violent criminal enterprise responsible for drug trafficking and multiple murders. The case stems from a long investigation into gang activity tied to the former Magnolia Housing Development and surrounding areas.
Federal officials say the sentence is part of a broader effort to reduce violent crime and dismantle organized gangs operating in the city.
New Orleans Gang Leader Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison
A federal judge sentenced Tim Jackson, 37, also known as “T-Maf” and “Maf,” to 30 years in prison on February 25.
Jackson was convicted of multiple federal crimes, including:
- RICO conspiracy
- Drug trafficking conspiracy
- Firearms conspiracy
In addition to his prison term, Jackson will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his sentence.
Leader of the Byrd Gang
Federal prosecutors say Jackson was a leader of the Byrd Gang, a criminal group also known by several other names, including:
- M3RE
- MagFischer
- 315
- Piff Gang
The gang mainly operated around the former Magnolia Housing Development in New Orleans but also had connections on the Westbank.
Authorities say the group was heavily involved in the daily distribution of illegal drugs.
Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Operation
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, gang members regularly sold several types of drugs, including:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Crack cocaine
- Marijuana
Investigators said gang members typically carried multiple firearms while distributing narcotics.
Jackson also reportedly provided several drug stash houses that the gang used to store and distribute drugs.
Gang Linked to Multiple Murders
Prosecutors said members of the Byrd Gang were responsible for several violent crimes.
These incidents included:
- July 18, 2016: Murder of Kent Franklin
- September 3, 2016: Murder of Javon Johnigan
- January 31, 2017: Double murder of Wynston Jackson and Lawrence Williams IV
- August 25, 2017: Shooting on Magazine Street in a busy shopping area
Officials said the violence was part of ongoing conflicts with rival gangs.
Social Media Fueled Gang Violence
Investigators reported that the Byrd Gang frequently clashed with a rival group known as the Ghost Gang.
According to prosecutors, many of the shootings between the two groups were fueled by:
- Social media posts
- Rap music and videos
- Online threats and insults
Some of the shootings resulted in innocent bystanders being injured or killed.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
During the investigation, law enforcement recovered dozens of firearms from gang members.
Many of the weapons included large-capacity magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Some of the firearms were recovered directly from Jackson.
Authorities said the evidence helped connect him to the gang’s operations and violent activities.
Guilty Plea After Trial Began
Jackson initially faced the possibility of a life sentence if convicted at trial.
After four days of testimony, he chose to plead guilty, which resulted in the 30-year sentence.
Federal prosecutors said the plea helped resolve the case without continuing the trial.
Law Enforcement Praises Investigation
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle praised the work of the FBI and the New Orleans Police Department for their efforts in the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins.
Officials say the case highlights the importance of cooperation between local and federal law enforcement in combating organized crime.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Tim Jackson (37) |
| Nicknames | T-Maf, Maf |
| Gang | Byrd Gang (M3RE, MagFischer, 315, Piff Gang) |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Charges | RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, firearms conspiracy |
| Sentence | 30 years in federal prison |
| Additional Penalty | 5 years supervised release |
| Key Crimes | Multiple murders, drug trafficking, gang violence |
