Codey M. Ritchison, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Indiana 2023
Evansville Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun Crimes
In a disturbing trend, three Evansville residents have been sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing firearms, highlighting the dangers of violent offenders having access to guns.
The cases, investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department, demonstrate the importance of keeping our communities safe from gun violence.
Codey M. Ritchison, 34, was sentenced to 9 years, 2 months' imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Ritchison had a long history of violent crimes, including domestic battery, intimidation, and carrying a firearm by a felon.
On October 19, 2023, Evansville Police officers spotted Ritchison in a vehicle with an active felony parole violation warrant. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Ritchison fled on foot with a pistol in his hand, dropping the firearm while crossing Diamond Avenue.
Randy Dale Ricketts Jr., 43, received a 15-year sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Ricketts had a history of violent crimes, including strangulation, domestic battery with a deadly weapon, and battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
Ricketts was found with a loaded 9mm handgun under a vehicle with one round in the chamber and a missing magazine. The serial number had been obliterated, and a loaded magazine matching the firearm was found in his front pants pocket.
Destin Jay Svestka, 28, was sentenced to 13 years, 4 months' imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Svestka had a history of burglary and was found with a loaded Springfield Armory XDM .45 caliber pistol after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase.
U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler emphasized that these cases are not victimless crimes and that access to firearms for violent offenders increases the chance that a situation turns deadly for victims, bystanders, and law enforcement.
The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judges Richard L. Young and Matthew P. Brookman. The cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in our communities.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →