MONROE, La. – A federal jury on Tuesday convicted Jason P. Peacock, 41, of Tallulah, of possessing a firearm despite his status as a convicted felon and of illegally owning a machine‑gun conversion device. The verdict came after a two‑day trial before U.S. Chief District Judge Terry A. Doughty and reinforces the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) effort to keep communities safe.
Details of the incident
According to the court record, the case began with a report of shots fired in Tallulah on May 31, 2025. Residents said Peacock brandished a black handgun, fired several rounds into the air, and then fled. Police pursued him to a neighbor’s home, where he entered with the weapon before retreating to the back of the house. Officers cleared the residence, and Peacock emerged and surrendered.
After his arrest, the homeowner consented to a search of the house. Officers recovered a black Glock equipped with a machine‑gun conversion device hidden inside a kitchen pot. The homeowner confirmed that no one in the home owned such a weapon.
Evidence and sentencing
Prosecutors presented recorded jail calls that established a clear timeline and proved Peacock’s possession of the firearm beyond a reasonable doubt. Peacock faces up to 25 years in federal prison, with sentencing set for December 2, 2026, before Judge Doughty.
Federal partnership and local impact
The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Louisiana State Police, and the Tallulah Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Foster and J. Aaron Crawford led the prosecution, supported by legal staff Amanda Morgan and Emily Favrot.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local, and tribal law‑enforcement partners to combat violent crime. The program emphasizes rapid federal response, strategic partnerships, and accountability through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses. As part of Operation Take Back America, PSN aligns with President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public‑safety challenges facing our neighborhoods.
Community response
Local officials praised the swift action, noting that the conviction sends a clear message that illegal firearms will not be tolerated in Louisiana’s towns and cities. “When dangerous individuals try to threaten our families, we must act decisively,” said a Tallulah police spokesperson. “This outcome demonstrates that our partnership with federal partners is effective and that our community can feel safer knowing the law is being enforced.”
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller, representing the Western District of Louisiana, reiterated the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting law‑abiding citizens. “Project Safe Neighborhoods is delivering results that matter to everyday Americans,” Keller said. “We will continue to work hand‑in‑hand with local agencies to keep illegal guns off the streets and uphold the safety of our neighborhoods.”
The conviction also underscores the broader national effort under the Trump administration to strengthen homeland security and enforce existing gun laws. By targeting felons who illegally possess firearms, the administration aims to reduce gun violence and protect families across the country.
What’s next
Peacock’s sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2026. The case serves as a reminder that federal authorities remain vigilant and that communities like Tallulah benefit from coordinated law‑enforcement actions that prioritize the safety of families and uphold the rule of law.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
