Charles Derryberry, Illegal Firearm Possession, Oxford MS, 2023

OXFORD, MS – Charles Derryberry, 46, of Marshal County, is facing a lengthy prison sentence after a federal jury found him guilty Wednesday of illegally possessing a firearm. The conviction comes after a three-day trial detailing a brazen crime spree and a desperate attempt to hide evidence from law enforcement.

Court documents reveal Derryberry robbed a victim of a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol in February of 2022. The situation escalated when Derryberry allegedly used that same weapon to shoot at the victim. He then used the stolen firearm in a second robbery, demonstrating a clear pattern of violent behavior. His criminal history is extensive, including prior convictions for manslaughter, burglary, and drug trafficking – all factors considered by the jury.

The break in the case came on February 27, 2022, when deputies with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle with Derryberry as a passenger. During the traffic stop, deputies observed Derryberry attempting to conceal the .40 caliber Smith & Wesson under the seat of the truck. A search of the vehicle quickly revealed the firearm, leading to his arrest. The fact that Derryberry was a convicted felon in possession of a weapon immediately triggered the federal charges.

“This office is committed to protecting our community from violent convicted felons like this defendant who illegally possess firearms,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. The statement underscores the federal government’s focus on cracking down on repeat offenders and keeping dangerous individuals off the streets. The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Stringfellow and Julie Addison, presented a compelling case linking Derryberry directly to the firearm and his extensive criminal past.

ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn echoed Joyner’s sentiment, stating, “Investigating and prosecuting repeat offenders…is another example of our commitment to fight violence.” Thielhorn highlighted the collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that a unified approach is crucial to improving public safety. The investigation was a joint effort between the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Derryberry is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17, 2023. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through community-based initiatives and focused enforcement. The program’s principles include fostering trust with communities and measuring the effectiveness of crime reduction strategies.

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