Local Man Lands Behind Bars for Unlawful Firearm Possession
James Presley, a 43-year-old resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Presley previously admitted to possessing a 9mm handgun and ammunition while driving a vehicle on Interstate 80 near Hazleton on May 15, 2014. At the time he possessed the firearm and ammunition, Presley had prior felony convictions, including a conviction for murder in 1992 in Philadelphia. Presley served 13 years in prison for the murder.
Presley was charged in an Information filed by the United States Attorney on July 15, 2014, as a result of an investigation by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police.
As part of his sentence, Judge Munley also ordered Presley to spend two years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay a $100 special assessment. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
Presley’s conviction is a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking federal laws. As a convicted felon, Presley had a duty to refrain from possessing firearms, and his actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law. This sentence sends a clear message that those who choose to break federal laws will be held accountable.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania commends the dedication and hard work of all law enforcement agencies involved in this case, and is committed to protecting the citizens of Pennsylvania from violent crime and firearm-related offenses.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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