Jackson Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon

A Jackson man was handed a stiff sentence today for violating federal firearm laws.

Randy Rodriquez Jones, 49, of Jackson, MS, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Jones’ troubles began on January 8, 2020, when he sold a firearm to an individual. But here’s the thing: Jones had a long history of drug-related felony convictions, as well as a previous state court conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Jones to possess any firearm.

On October 11, 2023, Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury. He cut a plea deal on January 30, 2024, pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen handled the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. But in this case, it seems like the system worked: a convicted felon is off the streets, and the community is safer.

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.

The question now is: what’s next for Jones? Will he be released early, or will he serve out the full 7 years? One thing’s for sure: he’ll have plenty of time to think about the consequences of his actions.