LAFAYETTE, LA – Bernell George, 39, of Lafayette, Louisiana, is headed to federal prison after admitting to possessing a stolen .40 caliber Smith & Wesson. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty handed down an 115-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, Thursday, marking the culmination of a case dating back to 2017.
The case unfolded on September 20, 2017, when Lafayette Police Department officers encountered George with 15.7 grams of marijuana and a hand-rolled cigarette. But the real trouble wasn’t the weed – it was the handgun found loaded with 11 rounds. An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives quickly revealed the weapon had been stolen out of Iberia Parish. George confessed to possessing both the marijuana and the illegally obtained firearm, admitting he’d purchased it “off the street.”
Federal prosecutors didn’t mince words. The charge of possession of a stolen firearm carries significant weight, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel pressed for a substantial sentence. The lengthy prison term signals a clear message: trafficking in stolen weapons will not be tolerated. The ATF’s involvement underscores the agency’s focus on tracing and disrupting the flow of illegal firearms, a critical component in combating violent crime.
While the initial stop involved a relatively small amount of marijuana, the stolen firearm quickly became the central focus of the investigation. This case highlights how seemingly minor encounters can unravel into larger investigations involving serious federal offenses. George’s decision to possess a stolen weapon ultimately led to a far more severe penalty than he likely anticipated.
The investigation was a joint effort between the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division and the Lafayette Police Department, demonstrating the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling crime. United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing, emphasizing the Department of Justice’s commitment to public safety. This case serves as a warning to others involved in the illegal gun trade: the risks far outweigh any potential reward.
George pleaded guilty to a bill of information on November 10, 2022. He will now begin serving his 115-month sentence, a considerable stretch that reflects the severity of his crime. The case number has not been released. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this and other federal crime cases in the Western District of Louisiana.
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