Betty Butler, Armed Career Criminal, Mississippi 2022

Betty Butler, 56, of Jackson, Mississippi, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being an Armed Career Criminal, according to a recent press release from the federal government.

On December 8, 2021, federal and state law enforcement executed a search warrant at Butler's home, where they found her in possession of a firearm. Butler's prior felony convictions made it illegal for her to possess a gun under federal law.

Butler's prior convictions were considered serious drug felonies, which triggered application of the Armed Career Criminal Act. This act prohibits individuals with multiple felony convictions from possessing firearms.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Hinds County Sheriff's Department.

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the ATF, and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley of the DEA made the announcement.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation targeting illegal methamphetamine and cocaine distribution in central Mississippi. This investigation aims to disrupt and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States.

Butler's sentence is a result of her status as an Armed Career Criminal, which carries significant penalties. Her prior convictions and the possession of a firearm made her a clear target for law enforcement.

The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the consequences of violating federal laws related to firearms and prior convictions. It is essential for individuals with felony convictions to understand the implications of possessing firearms and to comply with federal regulations.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/jackson-woman-sentenced-15-years-prison-armed-career-criminal