Damion Hamilton Sentenced

A 32-year-old Lafayette man, Damion Hamilton, has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. This sentencing is a result of a thorough investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, Hamilton was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the prison term, Hamilton will also serve three years of supervised release.

The case against Hamilton began on January 19, 2016, when a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle he was driving. A search of the vehicle revealed a gun safe on the back seat, which contained an FNS-40 .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. Further investigation found Hamilton’s DNA and fingerprints on the loaded magazine, linking him to the firearm.

Hamilton’s guilt was determined after a three-day trial that ended on October 13, 2016. The evidence presented during the trial clearly showed that Hamilton had possessed the firearm, despite being a convicted felon. This conviction and sentencing demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to reducing firearm crimes and promoting public safety.

This investigation and prosecution are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons. The initiative also focuses on promoting firearm safety and preventing the misuse of firearms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lafayette Police Department collaborated on the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and Kelly P. Uebinger handling the prosecution. The successful outcome of this case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in combating firearm crimes and ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable.

The sentencing of Damion Hamilton serves as a reminder of the consequences of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. It also underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the public and reducing the threat of firearm-related crimes. As the Department of Justice continues to implement initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods, the community can expect to see a decrease in firearm crimes and a safer environment for all.