James Ricky Stewart, Jr., Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Mississippi 2020

A Meridian man is facing the consequences of his actions after being sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. James Ricky Stewart, Jr., 44, was found in possession of a firearm by officers of the Meridian Police Department on June 15, 2020 during a traffic stop. Stewart had a .40 caliber pistol in his car.

Stewart has four prior felony convictions, which makes it contrary to federal law for him to possess any firearm. U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Kurt H. Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.

The ATF and the Meridian Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the violent crime reduction efforts.

PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.

Stewart’s prior convictions are a significant factor in this case. His history of felony convictions makes it clear that he is a danger to the community, and his possession of a firearm is a serious offense. The 57-month prison sentence is a just outcome for this crime.

The Meridian Police Department and the ATF did a thorough job of investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham did a great job of prosecuting it. This case is a prime example of the importance of Project Safe Neighborhoods and the need for effective law enforcement.

In conclusion, James Ricky Stewart, Jr. has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His prior convictions and the circumstances of the case make this sentence a just outcome. The community is safer today as a result of this conviction.

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