Aseante Romaree Taylor, Theft of Firearm, Mississippi 2019

Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Firearm from Pawn Shop

Aseante Romaree Taylor, 21, of Gulfport, entered a guilty plea yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to theft of a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On September 18, 2018, Gulfport Police responded to Dad's Super Pawn regarding the theft of a firearm. Officers obtained the surveillance video and were able to see the suspect go behind the counter while clerks were busy with customers, take an AK-47 off the shelf and walk out the door. Once out the door, the video showed the suspect running to a car. ATF agents located the car and the identity of the thief. Taylor was apprehended in the U.S. District Courthouse when he attended a sentencing hearing in support of another defendant. When approached by U.S. Marshals, Taylor gave a false name, but was arrested.

Taylor will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on March 18, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, along with 3 years of supervised release.

The Gulfport Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

Taylor is currently awaiting sentencing and faces severe penalties for his crime. The incident highlights the importance of security measures in businesses, especially those that deal with firearms.

The Gulfport community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of theft and the importance of adhering to the law.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/gulfport-man-pleads-guilty-stealing-firearm-pawn-shop