Yesterday, Phinehas Lee McNeal, a Colorado Springs man with a long history of violent crimes, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. McNeal, who appeared in custody during the hearing, was remanded at its conclusion.
According to evidence presented during trial, McNeal was found to be in possession of two boxes of ammunition on November 29, 2014, after being detained for shoplifting arrowheads at a Sportsman’s Warehouse. The ammunition was purchased from the same store, and images from the store’s video surveillance system clearly show McNeal making the purchase.
McNeal’s mother, Anne Marie McNeal, was also convicted of making a straw purchase of a firearm for her son, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of not more than 10 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2016.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh stated, ‘This defendant was a convicted felon many times over and was prohibited from possessing ammunition by law many times over as well. This sentence should send a message to those convicted of felony violations of the law that even the possession of ammunition is a federal felony and can result in severe punishment.’
ATF Special Agent in Charge Ken Croke added, ‘McNeal had a long, violent criminal career that he was determined to continue. Illegally providing him a firearm was both dangerous and irresponsible on his mother’s part.’
The case was investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Both defendants were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kurt Bohn and Jason St. Julien.
Phinehas McNeal’s history of violent crimes includes two felony menacing convictions, one for possession of a firearm by a previous juvenile offender, and theft, all in El Paso County Court. He also purchased ammunition at a local Walmart during the same period.
Related Federal Cases
- Iowa Felon Sentenced for Stolen Gun Possession · Iowa
- Dozier Sentenced to Federal Prison for Felon in Possession of Firearm · Colorado
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- El Paso Narc King Alejandro Carrillo Gets 46-Month Meth Sentence · Colorado
- West Valley Predator Gets 151-Month Sentence for Child Porn & Grooming · Colorado
Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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