CHARLESTON, S.C. – Elisha Shaleel Patterson, 21, of Charleston, is headed to the slammer for 57 months after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. The evidence against Patterson paints a picture of a convicted felon who thought he was above the law.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Patterson gathered with a large group of individuals to gamble on Allway Street in downtown Charleston on April 24, 2022. Investigators were paying close attention to the area after a shooting occurred there the previous day. Investigators observed Patterson remove a firearm from his pants and place it in a vehicle. Once investigators arrived, they located the firearm, which was reported stolen, a digital scale, and marijuana. Patterson is federally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition because of his previous felony conviction.
Patterson’s actions were a slap in the face to the community and a clear disregard for the law. His decision to possess a firearm, let alone a stolen one, shows a complete lack of regard for the safety of those around him. The fact that he thought he could get away with it just goes to show how reckless and irresponsible he is.
United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Patterson to 57 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. This is a significant sentence, but it’s one that Patterson had coming to him. His actions had real consequences, and now he’ll have to face the music.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charleston Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow prosecuting the case. This is a prime example of how law enforcement agencies can work together to keep our communities safe. It’s a success story, and one that we should all be proud of.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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