Jackson Felon Lewis Gets 30 Months for Gun Possession

JACKSON, MS – Another thug off the streets of Jackson. Donald Lewis, 43, is headed to federal prison for 30 months after being sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence includes three years of supervised release and a $1,500 fine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn.

Lewis’s criminal history dates back to 1996, when he was convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon in Hinds County. Fast forward to August 28, 2018, when Jackson Police responded to a complaint at a local convenience store and spotted Lewis flaunting a firearm – a clear violation of federal law. A superseding indictment followed on July 24, 2019, and Lewis ultimately pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on June 4, 2020.

This case isn’t isolated. It’s part of “Project EJECT,” a hard-line initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. EJECT – which stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together” – is a multi-pronged assault on violent crime, focusing on prosecution, prevention, re-entry programs, and public awareness. It falls under the umbrella of the Department of Justice’s broader Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian.

Project EJECT aims to do more than just lock up criminals. It’s about a holistic approach, but make no mistake, it *starts* with strong prosecution. PSN brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement, while Project Guardian focuses specifically on gun violence, improving information sharing and coordinating efforts to keep guns out of the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them – including those flagged for mental health concerns through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Jackson Police Department conducted the investigation, digging up the evidence that led to Lewis’s conviction. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner handled the prosecution, ensuring Lewis faced justice for his actions.

While 30 months might not seem like a long stretch to some, it’s a clear message from federal authorities: possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon will not be tolerated. Project EJECT is about sending a message, and Lewis is the latest example. Expect more of these sentences to come as the Southern District of Mississippi continues its crackdown on violent crime.

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