Devon Jonathan Souza, Unlawful Firearm Possession, Wyoming 2023

CHEYENNE, WY – Devon Jonathan Souza, 29, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is staring down a decade in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of unlawful firearm possession. The conviction, handed down May 10, 2023, in U.S. District Court before Judge Alan B. Johnson, caps a case stemming from a reckless September 2021 pursuit.

The chase began when Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop Souza, also known as Devon Jonathan Swan, on existing warrants. Instead of complying, Souza allegedly floored it, leading officers from multiple agencies – including Cheyenne Police and the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office – on a high-speed run through the city streets. He eventually abandoned the vehicle in a desperate attempt to escape on foot, but was quickly apprehended.

A search of the abandoned vehicle turned up a loaded Ruger pistol stashed inside a bag. But the weapon wasn’t the only incriminating evidence. While in custody, Souza tested positive for methamphetamine, a key factor in the unlawful possession charge. As a convicted felon and a current drug user, Souza was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took the lead on the investigation, working alongside the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Cheyenne Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys T.J. Forwood and Seth Griswold successfully prosecuted the case, presenting evidence that sealed Souza’s fate.

Souza now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. He could also be hit with a fine of up to $250,000, plus a mandatory $100 special assessment. Judge Johnson will consider sentencing guidelines and other factors before issuing a final sentence at a hearing scheduled for June 26, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Cheyenne.

This case highlights the ongoing effort by federal and state agencies to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals legally prohibited from possessing them. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing hearing next month.

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