RENO, NV – David Lee Wiley Jr., 41, of Sparks, Nevada, is headed to federal prison for nearly seven years after admitting to illegally possessing three firearms, including a stolen handgun. Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du handed down the 77-month sentence Monday, followed by three years of supervised release. The case underscores the ongoing federal crackdown on repeat offenders and illegal gun ownership.
According to court documents, Wiley pleaded guilty in August to being a felon in possession of firearms. On February 4, 2022, police found Wiley with a rifle, a stolen Glock 30S .45 caliber pistol, and a 9mm IWI UZI pistol equipped with a high-capacity magazine. The discovery triggered the federal charges, given Wiley’s extensive criminal history.
Wiley wasn’t a first-timer when it came to breaking the law, or possessing firearms illegally. Court records show prior felony convictions in Washoe County for Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Sale. These convictions already stripped him of the right to legally own a weapon, making his recent possession a clear violation of federal law.
The bust was a joint operation between the Sparks Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson praised the collaboration, highlighting the importance of local and federal agencies working together to combat gun violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Keenan led the prosecution, securing the lengthy sentence for Wiley.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada framed the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN focuses on targeting the most dangerous offenders and partnering with local programs to address the root causes of crime. The program’s goal is to create lasting reductions in violence through focused enforcement and community-based solutions.
Wiley’s 77-month sentence sends a clear message: possessing firearms while a convicted felon carries significant consequences. The case highlights the ATF and DOJ’s commitment to keeping illegal weapons out of the hands of those already prohibited from owning them, and to prosecuting those who flagrantly disregard the law. Details on PSN can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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