Felon in Possession of Firearms Sentenced to Prison in North Carolina
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a shocking turn of events, 45-year-old David Christopher Ballard of Catawba, North Carolina, was sentenced to 87 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for possession of multiple illegal firearms, including a machinegun. The sentencing took place on [no date specified] in the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Ballard was arrested on December 27, 2022, for outstanding arrest warrants for domestic assault and communicating threats. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Ballard had numerous loaded firearms and ammunition, including a machinegun, a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver, a Glock 22 .45 caliber pistol, a Bushmaster XM-15 rifle, a Mossberg 12 Gauge 500 shotgun, and several other firearms. The investigation revealed that Ballard had threatened to shoot his ex-wife on multiple occasions and had even held the Spikes Tactical rifle to her head.
Ballard, who has prior felony convictions, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During an interview with law enforcement, Ballard admitted to possessing all the seized firearms and ammunition and that he had converted the rifle into a fully automatic weapon.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the ATF, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office worked together to investigate the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Boykin prosecuted the case. The defendant remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron thanked the ATF and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation and efforts in bringing justice to the community.
The case highlights the importance of addressing gun violence and holding individuals accountable for their actions. As the community continues to grapple with the issue of gun violence, it is crucial that law enforcement and the justice system work together to ensure public safety.
David Christopher Ballard, Felon in Possession of Firearms, North Carolina 2024
Defendant: David Christopher Ballard
Criminal Charges: Possession of multiple illegal firearms, including a machinegun
City and State: Catawba, North Carolina
Exact Date: December 27, 2022
Sentence: 87 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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