John Joseph Simmons, Convicted Felon with Loaded Gun, North Carolina 2023

Nashville Man Convicted of Gun Crime

A federal jury in North Carolina convicted 34-year-old John Joseph Simmons, II of Nashville for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm on May 13, 2023.

The conviction stems from an incident where Simmons was stopped by police for evading barricades set up for the annual Blooming Festival in Nashville. Upon being stopped, officers found a loaded Taurus G3C 9mm handgun in the front passenger seat of Simmons’ vehicle.

According to court records, Simmons had previously been convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree kidnapping in Edgecombe County, making him ineligible to possess a firearm. When questioned by officers, Simmons attempted to deflect responsibility for the gun, claiming it belonged to his girlfriend.

“This verdict is a clear warning to keep illegal guns away from Eastern North Carolina festivals this summer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This former felon dodged a police barricade with a loaded gun in the car. He now faces a lengthy federal prison sentence.”

Simmons’ charges also include DUI, for which he faces additional penalties. The Nashville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations collaborated on the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Childress and Phil Aubart prosecuting the case.

Simmons faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on a future date. The case number is 5:24-CR-114-M-BM, and related documents can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Shusterman, Bail Tampering and Obstruction of Justice, Maryland 2024

Jul 1, 2013

Violent Crime

John White, Violent Crime, Illinois 2020

Sep 24, 2020

Violent Crime

Brown Eyes, Firearms Offense, South Dakota 2002

Jan 15, 2002

Violent Crime

Guillermo Carrillo-Iraheta, Armed Robbery, New Jersey 2015

Mar 27, 2017