New Orleans not taking crime 'seriously enough,' says carjacking victim's daughter as federal operation looms
Share and Follow

The daughter of a woman who lost her life in a 2018 carjacking incident in New Orleans has voiced concerns that the city is still not adequately addressing crime. Her comments come as the Trump administration plans to deploy federal agents to New Orleans.

Jeannot Plessy, aged 49, was tragically killed in November 2018 when two men carjacked her vehicle while she was attempting to collect her children, as reported by FOX 8. The attackers, Jontrell Robinson, 18, and Edwin Cottrell, 19, avoided a second-degree murder trial by pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with Plessy’s death.

Robinson received a 30-year prison sentence, while Cottrell was sentenced to 12 years behind bars.

The incident unfolded when Robinson forcefully removed Plessy from her car and took the driver’s seat, as Cottrell and other teenagers waited in another stolen minivan nearby. Plessy’s 33-year-old son-in-law heard her screams and attempted to intervene, prompting Robinson to recklessly reverse the vehicle.

Jeannot Plessy poses for a picture in a car

Jeannot Plessy’s life was tragically cut short during a carjacking attempt in 2018. (Nadia Sanchez)

Robinson ran over Plessy when he backed the car up, killing Plessy.

Both Cottrell and Robinson also pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder, two counts of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice, simple robbery, conspiracy to commit simple robbery and unauthorized use of a movable.

As federal immigration officials prepare to enter New Orleans as part of operation “Swamp Sweep,” Plessy’s daughter, Nadia Sanchez, told Fox News Digital she doesn’t believe the city has gotten a grasp on violent crime.

Edwn Cotrell booking picture

Edwin Cotrell avoided a second-degree murder trial by pleading guilty to manslaughter. (Orleans Justice Center jail)

“I don’t think the city or elected officials took the necessary actions or took crime seriously enough. Their focus was on other priorities — mainly tourism — while residents and their concerns took a back seat,” Sanchez said. “I don’t think much has changed in how the city deals with crime.”

“There hasn’t been much focus on the victims and their experience. Residents are the ones who live with the consequences every day,” she added.

Sanchez said she never felt unsafe in her neighborhood until her mother was killed.

Jontrell Robinson booking picture

Jontrell Robinson pleaded guilty to manslaughter in relation to the carjacking. (Orleans Justice Center jail)

“We didn’t have safety concerns. I walked my daughter to the playground every day after school. I never felt like we lived in a dangerous neighborhood — until it happened to us,” Sanchez said. 

However, she doesn’t know if federal intervention is the solution to New Orleans’ problem, saying it would be a “band-aid measure” to the issue, but said city officials need to prioritize public safety.

Operation “Swamp Sweep” is expected to begin in early December and will reportedly be aimed at arresting 5,000 people in southeast Louisiana and Mississippi.

Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he has been working with federal officials regarding immigration and crime matters.

“We do know that New Orleans is a place under which we’ve had illegal criminal activity, alien activity, in and around that city. Chief Conley, who is the chief of police from Kenner, has consistently had problems with illegal aliens conducting very violent crime in and around the city, in his city, and has been consistently working with the feds to try to crack that down,” Landry told Fox News.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump signs order declaring illicit fentanyl a 'weapon of mass destruction,' citing national-security risks

Trump Declares Illicit Fentanyl a ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’ in New National Security Move

President Donald Trump has taken a groundbreaking step by issuing an executive…
Melissa Webb assembles an artificial Christmas tree at Lee Display

Why Americans Are Choosing Imported Artificial Christmas Trees Despite Rising Costs

On a chilly December day, Mark Latino and his dedicated team were…
Son arrested after Rob Reiner and wife Michele found dead | Here's what we know

Son Detained Following the Deaths of Rob Reiner and Wife Michele: Latest Developments

Nick Reiner, the son of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife…
At least 10 dead after mass shooting during Hanukkah event on Australia's Bondi Beach

Exclusive: Australian Intelligence Uncovered Iranian Terror Threat Before Bondi Incident

Senior Israeli intelligence sources have revealed that Australia was alerted several months…
Brian Walshe looks at the jury while seated with his attorney Kelli Porges in Norfolk Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Justice Served: Brian Walshe Convicted in 3-Year Cold Case of Missing Wife’s Murder

In the somber walls of a Boston courtroom, Brian Walshe was convicted…
Australian immigrant who tackled gunman 'riddled with bullets,' but 'said he’d do it again,' lawyer says

Australian Immigrant Heroically Intervenes in Shooting Incident, Sustains Multiple Injuries, Lawyer Reports

In a gripping turn of events, Ahmed al Ahmed, an Australian immigrant,…
Update on Bondi hero who confronted gunman as lawyer raises question

New Developments in Bondi Hero’s Encounter with Gunman as Legal Concerns Arise

Ahmed Al-Ahmed, celebrated for bravely stopping a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach,…
Rob Reiner was scared of son Nick at Conan party before double murder

Rob Reiner Shares Chilling Encounter with Son Nick at Party Before Tragic Double Murder

In a shocking turn of events, the Reiner family is at the…