Arthur Lee Harris Jr., Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Mississippi 2019
A Jackson man has been sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Arthur Lee Harris, Jr., 30, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to twelve months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi said in a statement.
Harris was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. The case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Attorney's renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
On August 22, 2018, Jackson Police officers stopped the vehicle Harris was driving at an administrative check point. Harris was unable to produce proof of insurance or a driver's license. He was directed to exit the vehicle and officers observed a pistol in the cup holder of the driver's door. Harris admitted it was his pistol. Subsequent to a background check, Harris was placed under arrest for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Harris has a prior felony conviction in Hinds County for statutory rape, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. On November 6, 2018, Harris was charged in a federal criminal indictment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pled guilty before Judge Reeves on February 15, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
Project EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for 'Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.' The U.S. Attorney's Office said the case is a prime example of the successful partnership between law enforcement and the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The case is part of the U.S. Attorney's renewed focus on targeting violent criminals. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative in 2017 as part of the renewed focus on targeting violent criminals.
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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