Andre Jackson, Firearm Charge, Indiana 2023

Terre Haute, Indiana - Andre Jackson, a 57-year-old man from Terre Haute, has been sentenced to 210 months (over 17 years) in prison for illegally possessing a firearm. The sentencing took place in federal court, with U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence handing down the punishment.

According to the evidence presented, on May 2, 2015, officers from the Terre Haute Police Department responded to a call of shots fired near Liberty Avenue and North 21st Street. Upon arrival, they encountered an individual who had been shot in the leg. Other officers then encountered Jackson, who stated that he had been in an argument with the man and shot at him with his shotgun to prevent him from entering Jackson's house.

Further investigation revealed that Jackson was not legally permitted to own a firearm, as he had more than five felony convictions, including convictions for crimes of violence, and is considered an armed career criminal under federal law. His convictions include residential burglary, two robberies, unlawful use of a weapon, and aggravated vehicular hijacking, all of which were from Cook County, Illinois. He was also convicted of strong-armed robbery in Vigo County for a 2010 incident, and he was on probation for that case at the time of his arrest for this incident.

Prosecutors argued that Jackson's extensive criminal history made him a threat to the community, and that the sentence would ensure his safety behind bars. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Lasher stated that Jackson must serve five years of supervised release after his sentence.

Jackson's case was investigated by the Terre Haute Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. W. Jay Abbott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division, said that Jackson's sentence serves as a reminder of the law's intent to prevent prohibited individuals from possessing firearms.

The case highlights the importance of enforcing laws related to gun ownership, particularly for individuals with a history of violent crimes. As U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler noted, protecting neighborhoods from gun violence is a top priority for his office, and there will be no tolerance for such behavior.

Andre Jackson's name has become synonymous with violence and a disregard for the law. His lengthy prison sentence serves as a warning to others who might consider similarly reckless behavior.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/terre-haute-man-sentenced-federal-court-firearm-charge