Fort Duchesne Felon Gets 57 Months for Gun Possession

SALT LAKE CITY – Gregory Chauncy Checora, 36, of Fort Duchesne, Utah, is headed back to prison. The repeat offender was sentenced to 57 months in federal lockup Thursday by U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell for illegally possessing a firearm. This isn’t Checora’s first dance with the federal justice system; a violent past played a significant role in the judge’s decision to hand down a harsh sentence.

Checora pleaded guilty in May to the firearm charge, admitting he possessed an EAA Witness .40 caliber handgun sometime between June 20-30, 2012. As a convicted felon, federal law slammed the door shut on his right to own or possess a weapon. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Utah didn’t mince words, pushing for a sentence that reflected Checora’s dangerous history.

That history is deeply stained with violence. Back in October 1997, Checora was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in U.S. District Court. The conviction stems from a brutal July 1996 incident in the “Little Chicago” subdivision of Fort Duchesne, located within the Uintah-Ouray Reservation. Court records show Checora, along with three others, participated in the killing of Benjie Murray. Details of the murder remain grim, a dark chapter in the reservation’s history.

Federal sentencing guidelines take criminal history into account, and Checora’s was a heavy weight. The manslaughter conviction, classified as a crime of violence, pushed Judge Campbell to impose a sentence at the high end of the recommended range. Sources close to the case also indicate Checora’s documented history of gang involvement further contributed to the severity of the punishment.

Beyond the 57 months in prison, Checora will face 36 months of supervised release upon his eventual return to society. This prolonged oversight is intended to monitor his behavior and prevent further criminal activity. The U.S. Attorney’s Office hopes this sentence sends a clear message: possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon will not be tolerated, especially for those with a demonstrated propensity for violence.

As an enrolled member of the Ute Indian Tribe, Checora’s case highlights the complex intersection of tribal jurisdiction and federal law. While the crime occurred within reservation boundaries, the federal charges and sentencing underscore the reach of federal authorities when it comes to firearm offenses. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in Utah and beyond.