Bobby Eric Spates, a 26-year-old man from Florence, South Carolina, has found himself in a world of trouble after pleading guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm in federal court.
According to United States Attorney Beth Drake, Spates was arrested on March 31, 2017, after members of the Florence Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding a pedestrian pointing a gun at a motorist on West Evans Street in Florence.
Spates was detained in handcuffs and asked if he had any weapons on him. He responded by saying he had a gun in his pants pocket. An officer then conducted a pat-down and felt what appeared to be a gun in Spates’ right front pants pocket. The officer removed a loaded Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol and a box of .22 caliber ammunition from the same pocket.
Prior to his possession of the firearm, Spates had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
Ms. Drake stated that the defendant faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Florence Police Department and the ATF. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office handled the case.
United States District Judge Bryan Harwell accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Bobby Eric Spates’ case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Spates’ exact sentence has yet to be determined, but it is clear that his actions have put him on a path towards a lengthy prison term.
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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