Convicted Felon From Slidell Sentenced to 20 Years

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on May 7, 2024, 34-year-old Gene Harrell of Slidell, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana and related traffic charges. Following his guilty plea, he was sentenced by District Judge Alan Black to 20 years in prison. 

On October 1, 2023, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop of Harrell on Gause Blvd in Slidell after observing him commit several traffic violations. During the course of the traffic stop, deputies discovered Harrell was in possession of a Glock 42 handgun and marijuana. Deputies determined Harrell had a prior conviction for a crime of violence, precluding him from legally possessing a firearm.

Harrell had several prior felony convictions. In 2019, he fled from St. Bernard Sheriff deputies when they attempted to stop him for several traffic violations. During the resulting high speed chase, Harrell pointed a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun out the window of his vehicle, aiming it at two of the pursuing officers. He later pled guilty in St. Bernard Parish to aggravated assault upon a peace officer and resisting an officer with force or violence. In 2020, Harrell fled from Jefferson Parish Sheriff deputies when they attempted to stop him for traffic violations. During the resulting high speed pursuit, he attempted to strike two officers with his vehicle, causing officers to discharge their weapons. Harrell was struck by the gunfire but sped away before wrecking his vehicle six blocks later. He eventually pled guilty in Jefferson Parish to aggravated flight from an officer and simple assault.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Henry von L. Meyer, IV.