Felon Caught with 39 Rounds of Ammo, Faces 15 Years

Felons Caught with Firearms and Ammo in California, Face Up to 15 Years in Prison

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and communities. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced the following actions in federal PSN cases.

Indictments have been handed down in the cases of four California men for being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition. The penalties for these crimes range from 15 years in prison to a $250,000 fine.

The first indictment was handed down against Billy Fobbs, 24, of Sacramento. Fobbs was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition after he was found to have 39 rounds of 300 caliber BLK ammunition on September 28, 2023. Fobbs has prior felony convictions for evading a police officer, assault, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted domestic violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.

Jeremy Goodwin Jr., 22, of Fresno, was indicted on April 18, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Goodwin was found in possession of a 9mm gun and 9mm ammunition on March 2, 2024. Goodwin has a prior felony conviction for carrying a loaded firearm in public. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.

Tionte Beard, 25, of Fresno, was also indicted on April 18, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Beard was found to have a handgun, an assault-style rifle, and several rounds of ammunition in his Fresno residence on November 7, 2023. Beard posted photographs of some of the firearms to his Instagram account. Beard has prior felony convictions for illegal possession of a firearm and domestic violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.

Monte Shepherd, 53, of Rio Linda, was indicted on April 11, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Shepherd was found to be in possession of a stolen Ruger KP89 9mm handgun on January 27, 2024. Shepherd has five prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Cárdenas is prosecuting the case.

The penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

On a separate note, Sophondara Hun, 28, of Stockton, pleaded guilty on April 25, 2024, to being a felon in possession of ammunition. Hun was found with a .22 caliber bullet on the ground in front of his leg and two .22 caliber bullets in his pocket during a police investigation. Hun is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and communities. By setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, law enforcement agencies can prevent violence from occurring in the first place.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing violent crime and gun violence in California. By prosecuting those who break the law and possessing firearms or ammunition as felons, we can make our communities safer.

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