Charles M. Thomas, Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2023

SHREVEPORT, La. – Charles M. Thomas, 26, is headed back to federal prison after being sentenced to 46 months for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., adds to a growing list of convictions for the Shreveport resident, who was already on supervised release for a previous firearms offense. This isn’t just a gun charge; it’s a pattern of disregard for the law and a danger to the public.

The case began with a domestic violence arrest on March 7, 2022, by the Shreveport Police Department. But it was the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) who connected the dots. Agents uncovered video evidence clearly showing Thomas wielding a firearm. This immediately flagged a problem – Thomas had already been convicted in the Western District of Louisiana in 2018 for the same offense: being a convicted felon with a gun. He was on supervised release at the time of the domestic disturbance.

A search of the apartment Thomas was staying in revealed a bag of .223 and 5.56 caliber ammunition, the same type compatible with the firearm seen in the video. Investigators also found the sweatpants Thomas was wearing in the footage, cementing the evidence. Thomas’s criminal history extends beyond previous firearms violations. He also has a 2015 felony conviction for aggravated assault with a firearm, painting a picture of a repeat offender with a penchant for violence.

Federal prosecutors weren’t finished there. Judge Hicks also sentenced Thomas to an additional 14 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release from the 2018 conviction. These sentences will run consecutively, meaning Thomas faces a total of 60 months behind bars before even being eligible for release. It’s a clear message from the court: violating the terms of supervised release, especially when it involves firearms, will not be tolerated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg led the prosecution, successfully arguing that Thomas posed a continuing threat to the community. The ATF and Shreveport Police Department worked in tandem on the investigation, demonstrating the power of interagency cooperation in tackling gun crime. This case underscores the ATF’s commitment to cracking down on individuals who repeatedly break the law and endanger public safety.

While a 46-month sentence is a significant penalty, it remains to be seen if it will be enough to deter Thomas from future criminal activity. With a history of violent offenses and a disregard for court orders, the question isn’t just about punishment, but about protecting the citizens of Shreveport from a demonstrably dangerous individual. Thomas will also face three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence, but whether that will be enough to keep him from re-offending is an open question.

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