Christopher Howard, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, California 2021

FRESNO, Calif. — A Delano resident is facing up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Christopher Howard, 33, of Delano, pleaded guilty to the charge on an unspecified date, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He was encountered by police officers in the evening of April 28, 2021, while carrying a bag that contained a loaded 9 mm caliber handgun and an additional loaded high-capacity magazine.

Howard's history of felony convictions includes possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, escape, and twice for second-degree burglary. This makes him ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.

The case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Delano Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker is prosecuting the case.

Howard is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Dec. 13, 2021. He faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, the actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court, taking into account any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a joint federal, state, and local initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, stakeholders work together to identify and address the most pressing violent crime problems in the community.

Howard's guilty plea underscores the importance of this program in keeping communities safe. By targeting the most violent offenders and working with local prevention and reentry programs, PSN aims to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/delano-resident-pleads-guilty-unlawfully-possessing-firearm