CHEYENNE, WY – Devon Jonathan Souza, 29, is headed to federal prison after a Laramie County jury convicted him of illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Souza to a hefty 105 months behind bars on June 26, 2023, along with three years of supervised release and a $100 court assessment. The case highlights the continued effort to keep guns out of the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them.
The drama unfolded on September 1, 2021, when Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers attempted a routine traffic stop based on outstanding warrants for Souza’s arrest. Instead of complying, Souza allegedly floored it, initiating a dangerous high-speed chase that snaked through the streets of Cheyenne, drawing in officers from multiple agencies – Cheyenne Police Department and the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit. Souza ultimately abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot, but was quickly apprehended.
A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Ruger pistol stashed inside a bag. The gun became the centerpiece of the federal case. But the evidence didn’t stop there. While in custody, Souza tested positive for methamphetamine, and, according to court records, admitted to recent fentanyl use. This combination – a prior felony conviction and current illegal drug use – made his possession of the firearm a federal offense.
Prosecutors, Assistant United States Attorneys T.J. Forwood and Seth Griswold, successfully argued that Souza knowingly violated federal law. The jury clearly agreed, finding him guilty on May 10, 2023. The sentence handed down by Judge Johnson reflects the seriousness of the crime and the potential danger Souza posed to the community. Souza, also known as Devon Jonathan Swan, now has nearly a decade to consider his choices.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Cheyenne Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. The ATF Denver Field Division oversaw the federal investigation, demonstrating interagency cooperation in tackling firearms-related crimes.
This case serves as a stark reminder that those with felony convictions and active substance abuse issues will face severe consequences if they attempt to possess firearms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming, led by United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo, continues to prioritize prosecuting such offenses to ensure public safety.
Related Federal Cases
- Devon Souza, Unlawful Firearm Possession, Cheyenne WY, 2023 · Wyoming
- Wyoming Felon Gets 21 Months for Illegal Gun,
Ethete, WY, 2023 · Nevada - Pedro Garcia, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Oxnard CA, 2024 · Texas
- Clayton William Wenner, Felon in Possession of Firearms, WY 2016 · Colorado
- Charles Michael Carsten, Felon in Possession, Wyoming 2023 · Nevada
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