Cory Demond Ward, Possession of a Firearm by a Previously Convicted Felon, Mississippi 2018

Cory Demond Ward, a 31-year-old Hattiesburg man, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in a U.S. District Court in Mississippi.

Ward, who was previously convicted of burglary of a dwelling in the Circuit Court of Lamar County, admitted to selling a .38 caliber Colt revolver to a confidential informant for $125 on October 21, 2017.

The firearm sale is a serious offense, as it is a federal crime for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. Ward's guilty plea marks a significant blow to gun trafficking in the Hattiesburg area.

U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced the guilty plea, stating that Ward's actions were a threat to public safety. 'The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, and our office will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from gun violence,' Hurst said.

Ward faces a potential sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett has set sentencing for August 21, 2018, at 10:45 a.m.

The case highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the need for stricter gun laws to prevent felons from accessing firearms.

As the investigation continues, residents of Hattiesburg are left wondering what led to Ward's decision to sell the firearm. The guilty plea serves as a reminder of the consequences of breaking the law and the importance of community safety.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/hattiesburg-man-plead-guilty-illegally-possessing-firearm