BISMARCK, ND – Travis Gene Clark Jr., 27, of Bismarck, will be spending a significant chunk of his life behind bars after receiving an eight-year federal prison sentence for being a convicted felon illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. The sentence, handed down October 31, 2016, by US District Judge Daniel L Hovland, isn’t a standalone term; it will run consecutively to a five-year state sentence Clark is already serving.
The bust originated with Bismarck patrol officers seeking Clark on January 31, 2016, in connection with a warrant for violation of a protection order. A credible tip led them to the area of University Drive, where they spotted Clark exiting a mobile home. When officers ordered him to stop and get on the ground, Clark’s actions quickly escalated the situation.
According to court documents, as Clark attempted to enter a vehicle, law enforcement reasonably believed he was reaching for a weapon. They moved in to apprehend him, and the evidence quickly confirmed their suspicions. A pistol was in plain sight within the vehicle, immediately establishing probable cause for the federal charge.
“This isn’t just about a gun,” stated US Attorney Christopher C. Myers. “It’s about a repeat offender who demonstrated a clear disregard for the law and public safety. The consecutive sentencing sends a strong message: those who illegally possess firearms will be held accountable.” In addition to the prison time, Judge Hovland ordered three years of supervised release following Clark’s incarceration, and a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NDBCI). Their combined resources were instrumental in building a solid case against Clark, ensuring a conviction and a substantial sentence. The feds didn’t mess around here.
Special Assistant US Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted the case, navigating the complexities of federal firearms laws and presenting a compelling argument to Judge Hovland. Clark’s legal team argued for leniency, but the judge ultimately sided with the prosecution, recognizing the severity of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history. The streets of Bismarck are a little safer with Clark locked up, and this case serves as a stark warning to others contemplating similar actions.
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Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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