PHOENIX, AZ – Nicholas Cooper, 32, of Hotevilla, Arizona, is headed to federal prison after receiving a 37-month sentence for illegally possessing firearms, the Department of Justice announced this week. U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi handed down the sentence, which will be followed by three years of supervised release. Cooper’s history as a convicted felon automatically disqualified him from owning guns, a fact he brazenly ignored.
According to court documents, Cooper possessed two firearms in December 2014 and January 2015, directly violating federal law. This wasn’t simply a paperwork issue; one of the weapons had been stolen from another member of the Hopi Tribe, adding insult to injury and highlighting a disregard for the safety of his own community. The investigation revealed a clear pattern of unlawful behavior, cementing the need for a significant prison term.
Cooper, an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe, pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of firearms, avoiding a potentially lengthier trial. Despite the guilty plea, Judge Tuchi didn’t offer leniency, recognizing the seriousness of the offense and the potential danger posed by individuals illegally armed with firearms. The sentence sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
The case was a joint effort, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services (Hopi Agency). These agencies worked diligently to uncover the evidence and build a solid case against Cooper. Their combined expertise proved crucial in securing a conviction and ensuring that justice was served. The BIA’s involvement underscores the federal government’s commitment to upholding the law within tribal lands.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, of the District of Arizona, Phoenix, skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting a compelling argument that led to the sentencing. Samuels’ work demonstrates the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s dedication to tackling gun crime and protecting the public. This conviction serves as a warning to others contemplating similar illegal activity.
Case Number: CR-16-8004-PCT-JJT. Release Number: 2016-100_Cooper. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow them on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest updates.
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