Damion Hamilton Guilty

Damion Hamilton, 32, of Lafayette, has been found guilty of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. The verdict was delivered by a federal jury on Thursday, following a trial that started on Tuesday and lasted for two days.

According to evidence presented at the trial, Hamilton was pulled over by law enforcement on January 19, 2016, and a search of his vehicle revealed a gun safe on the back seat. The safe was later opened, and a FNS-40 .40 caliber pistol and ammunition were found inside. Further investigation revealed that the pistol’s loaded magazine had Hamilton’s fingerprints on it, in addition to DNA evidence.

Hamilton was found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the trial, and the jury returned the guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately three hours.

The investigation and prosecution of Hamilton’s case were part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons. The case was investigated by the ATF and the Lafayette Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and Kelly P. Uebinger.

Hamilton faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, forfeiture of the weapon seized, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing will be set at a later date. United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley stated that those prohibited from carrying firearms due to a prior felony will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that collaborations between federal and local law enforcement are crucial in bringing defendants like Hamilton to justice.

The conviction of Damion Hamilton serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing laws that prohibit felons from possessing firearms. By working together, law enforcement agencies can help keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and protect the community. As Finley noted, the work of federal and local law enforcement in this case demonstrates the commitment to reducing firearm crimes and promoting firearm safety.

In a statement, Finley emphasized that the Department of Justice will continue to prosecute cases like Hamilton’s to the fullest extent of the law. The guilty verdict is a testament to the effectiveness of Project Safe Neighborhoods and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in reducing firearm crimes. As the case moves forward to sentencing, the community can be assured that justice will be served and that those who break the law will be held accountable.