Nevada Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison for Firearms Conviction

In a recent case that reflects the commitment to reducing violent crime and gun violence, a Nevada man has been sentenced to 77 months in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. Jacob Pangborn, 34, was stopped when he attempted to enter the Rock Island Arsenal military installation and was subsequently found to be in possession of a loaded 9 mm pistol without a serial number. Having previously been convicted of several felony offenses in Nevada, Pangborn’s possession of a firearm was a direct violation of the law. This conviction serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations to make our neighborhoods safer and curb the prevalence of gun-related offenses.

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Table of Contents

I. Background

This article provides details about a recent firearms conviction and sentencing case involving a Nevada man. The individual, Jacob Pangborn, was found guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. Pangborn had previous felony convictions in the State of Nevada, which further enhanced the severity of his charges. This case is significant and serves as an example of the government’s commitment to reducing violent crime and gun violence through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. The article will explore the arrest, charges, sentencing hearing, and government’s statement related to the case.

II. Details of the Case

A. Arrest and Charges

Jacob Pangborn’s arrest occurred when he attempted to enter the Rock Island Arsenal military installation. During a routine check, officers discovered that Pangborn’s driver’s license had been revoked, leading to his arrest. Additionally, a search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 9 mm pistol under his seat. Notably, the firearm did not possess a serial number.

B. Sentencing Hearing

The sentencing hearing for Jacob Pangborn took place before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid. After considering the nature of the crime and Pangborn’s previous felony convictions, the court decided on an appropriate sentence that would reflect the severity of the offense and serve to deter future criminal behavior.

C. Government’s Statement

The government, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko, made a statement during the sentencing hearing. The government emphasized the importance of enforcing federal laws to prevent and combat gun violence. Pangborn’s possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon was a clear violation of federal law, and the government expressed its commitment to prosecuting offenses of this nature.

III. Offense and Conviction

A. Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

Jacob Pangborn was charged with and convicted of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. This offense is considered a serious crime due to the inherent danger and potential for violence associated with the illegal possession of firearms.

B. Previous Felony Convictions

Pangborn’s previous felony convictions in the State of Nevada played a significant role in his case. The court considered these prior offenses as aggravating factors that contributed to the severity of his charges and subsequent sentence.

C. Violation of Federal Law

By possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon, Jacob Pangborn violated federal law. Federal laws prohibit individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms and ammunition due to the potential risks they pose to society. The government’s pursuit of this case highlights its commitment to upholding and enforcing these federal laws to ensure public safety.

IV. Sentencing and Imprisonment

A. Length of Sentence

Jacob Pangborn was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment. This substantial sentence reflects the seriousness of his offense and the need for society to be protected from individuals who possess firearms illegally. The court carefully considered the circumstances of the case and imposed a sentence that balanced punishment and deterrence.

B. Supervised Release

After completing his prison sentence, Jacob Pangborn will be subjected to three years of supervised release. This period aims to monitor his activities and reintegration into society, ensuring compliance with the law and promoting successful reentry.

V. Project Safe Neighborhoods

A. Objective of the Program

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a program that brings together law enforcement agencies at all levels and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program’s primary objective is to make neighborhoods safer for everyone by addressing the root causes of violence and employing a multi-faceted approach to enforcement, prevention, and community outreach.

B. Core Principles

The Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy in May 2021, strengthening PSN based on the following core principles:

Fostering trust and legitimacy in communities: By promoting partnerships and collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations, PSN aims to build trust and legitimacy, ensuring effective crime prevention strategies.
Supporting community-based organizations: PSN recognizes the vital role of community-based organizations in preventing violence. By supporting these organizations, the program aims to address the underlying factors that contribute to crime and violence.
Setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities: PSN employs data-driven approaches to identify and target the most significant drivers of violent crime and gun violence. By focusing resources and efforts on these priorities, PSN maximizes its impact.
Measuring the results: PSN establishes performance measures to assess the effectiveness of its strategies. By monitoring and evaluating outcomes, the program can adapt and improve its approaches to reducing violent crime and gun violence.

C. Reduction of Violent Crime and Gun Violence

Through initiatives like PSN, the government seeks to reduce violent crime and gun violence. Cases such as Jacob Pangborn’s conviction serve as examples of the government’s commitment to enforcing federal laws and ensuring public safety. By prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms, PSN aims to create safer communities where citizens can live without fear of gun violence.

VI. Investigative Agencies

A. Rock Island Arsenal Police Department

The Rock Island Arsenal Police Department played a crucial role in investigating Jacob Pangborn’s case. The department worked diligently to uncover the details of the offense and gather necessary evidence to support the prosecution’s case.

B. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) collaborated with the Rock Island Arsenal Police Department in investigating and building the case against Jacob Pangborn. ATF’s expertise in firearms-related offenses was instrumental in ensuring a thorough and successful investigation.

VII. Prosecution

A. Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko

Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko represented the government in the prosecution of Jacob Pangborn. Mehochko played a pivotal role in presenting the case to the court, highlighting the significance of the offense, and advocating for an appropriate sentence that would reflect the severity of the crime.

B. Representation of the Government

The government, through Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko, sought to hold Jacob Pangborn accountable for his actions and ensure justice was served. The representation of the government in this case underscores its commitment to prosecuting individuals who violate federal laws related to firearms and ammunition.

VIII. Related Content

A. Sentencing of Man in Cuba, Missouri

In another recent case, a man from Cuba, Missouri, Raymond Toth, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for drug and gun offenses. This case illustrates the government’s determination to combat not only gun violence but also the illicit drug trade, which often intersects with violent crime.

B. Sentencing of Two Men from Santa Ana, California

Two men from Santa Ana, California, Cesar Lopez Reyes, 21, and Angel Tovar, 22, were sentenced to multiple years in prison for drug trafficking. This case showcases the government’s commitment to targeting drug-related offenses that contribute to violence and insecurity in communities.

C. Sentencing of Nineteen-Year-Old Man in Washington, Illinois

Zavien James Ross, a nineteen-year-old man from Washington, Illinois, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for trafficking 3D-printed “Glock Switches” and “Auto-Sears.” This case demonstrates the government’s efforts to address emerging threats involving the illegal manufacturing and distribution of firearm components.

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IX. Contact Information

A. U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of Illinois

For further information or inquiries, individuals can reach out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of Illinois. The office is available to answer questions related to the case or provide relevant assistance.

B. Main Office Address

The main office address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of Illinois is:

318 S. Sixth Street Springfield, IL 62701

C. Phone Numbers

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of Illinois can be contacted through the following phone numbers:

Springfield (HQ): (217) 492-4450
Peoria: (309) 671-7050
Rock Island: (309) 793-5884
Urbana: (217) 373-5875

X. Stay Connected

A. Social Media Platforms

To stay updated on the latest news and developments from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of Illinois, individuals can follow their social media platforms. These platforms provide a convenient way to access information and engage with the office.

B. Archives

Archives of press releases and additional relevant content can be accessed to review past cases and stay informed about ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and gun violence.

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Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/nevada-man-sentenced-77-months-prison-firearms-conviction