Judge Sentences Baton Rouge Felon to Federal Prison
Marquis Square received 115 months in federal prison for firearm and contraband offenses.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced 32-year-old Marquis Square to 115 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing follows Square’s 2024 convictions for attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and bringing contraband into penal institutions.
Why it matters
The sentence stems from a criminal case involving a high-speed police pursuit that originated in Baker and concluded in Baton Rouge. Prosecutors secured the conviction after officers recovered multiple firearms from the defendant following a vehicle crash.
Square received a sentence of 115 months in federal prison plus three years of supervised release. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all firearms recovered during his arrest.
The players
Marquis Square
The defendant is a 32-year-old man with a prior criminal history including a 2015 simple robbery conviction.
John W. deGravelles
He is a United States District Judge serving in the Middle District of Louisiana who presided over the sentencing.
The details
After fleeing from Baker into Baton Rouge, Square crashed his vehicle and attempted to escape on foot before police apprehended him behind a residence. Authorities discovered a pump shotgun under his car, along with a handgun and an extended magazine inside the vehicle.
Timeline
2015: The defendant was convicted of simple robbery.
September 4, 2024: Officers responded to a disturbance on Lavey Lane involving the defendant.
2024: Square was convicted of attempted firearm possession and contraband transport.
October 29, 2026: The sentencing details were made public.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the Project Safe Neighborhoods program in prioritizing the federal prosecution of repeat firearm offenders. The sentencing reflects broader regional efforts to address recidivism among individuals convicted of felony firearm possession.
The case highlights local law enforcement efforts to mitigate public safety risks involving illegal firearms during vehicle pursuits. Residents should remain aware that police operations in the Baton Rouge area may result in temporary road closures or disruptions during such incidents.
The takeaway
Repeat offenders who are caught with illegal firearms face significant federal prison time under current statutes. Maintaining awareness of local public safety advisories can help residents avoid active police pursuit zones.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
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