Keith Bernard Gardner, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Mississippi 2018

Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of Firearm

Gulfport, Miss – Keith Bernard Gardner, 24, of Gulfport, has admitted guilt to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, a serious crime that can have severe consequences. According to court documents, Gardner was found in possession of a Ruger pistol with an obliterated serial number after a shooting incident on November 26, 2016.

The Gulfport Police responded to an apartment parking lot after receiving reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers found Gardner and others in a car with the obvious smell of marijuana. A search of the vehicle yielded cocaine, marijuana, digital scales, and two handguns. Gardner admitted to owning the Ruger pistol.

Gardner’s history of crime dates back to 2014 when he was convicted in Harrison County Circuit Court of transfer of a controlled substance. His latest offense has left him facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the firearm charge. He also faces fines of up to $250,000 along with three years of supervised release.

The Gulfport Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

Gardner will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden on December 6, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. The severity of the punishment will depend on various factors, including Gardner’s prior convictions and the nature of his crime.

As a convicted felon, Gardner is not entitled to own or possess firearms. His actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and put innocent lives at risk. The guilty plea is a significant step towards justice being served, and we hope that it will send a strong message to those who engage in similar behavior.

U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced Gardner’s guilty plea, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

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