Hyram Franklin Patton, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Alabama 2022

Montgomery, AL – In a shocking turn of events, a local man has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hyram Franklin Patton, a 38-year-old man from Opelika, Alabama, was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

On January 26, 2019, an Alabama State Trooper initiated a traffic stop on Hwy. 51 in Opelika after observing a black Ford Mustang cross the centerline. The Trooper made contact with the female driver and asked her to step out of the car to check for impairment, which she complied with. The Trooper then made contact with the passenger, later identified as Patton, who provided conflicting information about his name.

During the stop, the Trooper noticed that Patton was reaching around behind the seat in a suspicious manner and asked him to exit the vehicle in case he might be reaching for a weapon. A search of the vehicle revealed a 9mm handgun in the pocket on the back of the seat, which Patton eventually admitted belonged to him.

Patton’s previous felony convictions render him prohibited from possessing firearms, making his actions a serious offense. He was arrested on the scene and the driver was issued a traffic citation before being released.

Patton was indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm on January 15, 2021. He pleaded guilty to that charge on May 4, 2021, and was subsequently sentenced on February 25, 2022.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Bates handling the prosecution.

Patton’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking the law, particularly when it comes to firearms. His 57-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release are a testament to the severity of his actions.

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