New Orleans Man Sentenced for Carjacking and Killing of New Orleans Resident

NEW ORLEANS—CHARLES RAYMOND, age 27, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to life imprisonment plus 10 years consecutive. for his role in a carjacking that resulted in the death of Nathaniel Robertson, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Africk ordered that RAYMOND be placed on five years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment, during which time the defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should he violate any terms of his supervised release. Judge Africk also imposed $6,000 in restitution to be paid to the victim’s family.

On October 6, 2011, RAYMOND was convicted by a federal jury of participating in a carjacking of Nathaniel Robertson during with RAYMOND shot and killed Roberston in cold blood. Among other things, the jury heard testimony that RAYMOND climbed into a Ford Mustang “rock rental” armed with a Norinco, .223 caliber assault rifle, and then, along with co-defendants who have previously pled guilty in this case, drove to the home of Nathaniel Robertson in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans on June 9, 2004. When RAYMOND arrived at the house, Mr. Roberston was walking towards his parked Hummer H2 SUV. RAYMOND ordered that the Mustang stop, got out, and shot Mr. Robertson five times at close range, killing him on the spot. Jurors also heard from witnesses who testified that RAYMOND later bragged about the killing after being released from state custody.

The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Sean Toomey, Michael McMahon, and Spiro Latis.