Nashville Man Sentenced to 235 Months in Prison
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – February 25, 2021 – A Nashville man has been sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for his role in a 2019 standoff with police. Justin Jerome Jones, 33, of Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell Jr. to 235 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The standoff occurred on February 7, 2018, when residents of the Tony Sudekum public housing neighborhood called police after witnessing Jones arguing with his 11-year-old daughter outside a residence. Jones then fired several gunshots into the ground near the young girl. When officers from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) arrived, Jones barricaded himself inside an apartment. MNPD S.W.A.T. officers, as well as federal agents, responded to the scene and Jones repeatedly fired at the officers. One round struck an MNPD officer.
After several hours, Jones exited the apartment and was taken into federal custody. A search warrant was then executed at the apartment, and officers recovered several spent shell casings, a cocked .357 caliber revolver, a .38 caliber revolver, and parts from a 9mm pistol. Additional firearms parts and boxes of ammunition were also recovered from the apartment the following day. The investigation determined that Jones had previously brandished the 9mm pistol at another person.
Jones had previously been convicted of aggravated robbery in Davidson County, Tennessee, in 2007, and was also convicted of aggravated robbery in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 2009, relating to armed bank robbery. Jones was released from custody in Ohio in December 2016 and paroled to the State of Mississippi.
In November 2019, Jones pleaded guilty to three counts of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sunny A.M. Koshy, Joseph Montminy, and Ahmed Safeeullah prosecuted the case.
Jones’ sentence of 235 months in federal prison is a testament to the severity of the charges he faced. As a convicted felon, Jones was prohibited from possessing firearms, and his actions put not only himself but also the public in harm’s way. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of gun safety and the consequences of breaking the law.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives worked tirelessly to bring Jones to justice. Their efforts are a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies to keeping our communities safe.
Jones’ story is a cautionary tale of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of seeking help when struggling with personal issues. It is our hope that his sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering similar actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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