Jamarquis Vasean Tate, Illegal Firearm Possession, Mississippi 2023

HATTIESBURG, MS – Jamarquis Vasean Tate, 25, of Hattiesburg, is headed to federal prison for 27 months after pleading guilty to the illegal possession of a firearm. The case, stemming from a December 2021 incident, highlights the ongoing federal crackdown on convicted felons illegally armed.

According to court documents, officers with the Hattiesburg Police Department responded to a disturbance call at a local hotel on December 3, 2021. Upon arrival, officers spotted Tate, who immediately bolted. A short foot chase ensued, during which officers clearly observed Tate ditch a firearm. Bodycam footage confirmed the officer’s account, showing Tate tossing the weapon during the pursuit.

Tate’s status as a convicted felon automatically prohibits him from legally possessing a firearm. The recovered weapon will now be subject to further investigation to determine its origin and any potential connection to other crimes. The details of Tate’s prior conviction haven’t been released, but federal law is clear: a felony conviction strips an individual of their Second Amendment rights.

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case, building a solid case based on the police bodycam footage and the recovery of the firearm. The swift prosecution underscores the commitment of federal authorities to keeping guns out of the hands of those legally barred from owning them.

This prosecution falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program designed to reduce violent crime through targeted enforcement and community partnerships. PSN isn’t just about arrests; it aims to address the root causes of violence and provide resources for rehabilitation – though the 27-month sentence for Tate is a clear message that illegal gun possession carries serious consequences.

The ATF’s New Orleans Field Division led the investigation, working alongside the Hattiesburg Police Department. While the case is closed with Tate’s sentencing, the ATF continues to investigate illegal firearms trafficking and possession throughout the Southern District of Mississippi, working to stem the flow of weapons to those who would misuse them. The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal prosecutions in the region.

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