Tyrone Lekese Hooper, Felon in Possession of Firearms, Michigan 2022

Lansing Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Illegal Gun Possession

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Tyrone Lekese Hooper, a 25-year-old Lansing man, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Hooper was found guilty of having multiple guns in his possession despite being a convicted felon, prohibited from owning firearms. The guns were found in his car and apartment on multiple occasions, putting the lives of two young children in danger after they accidentally shot themselves.

On June 2022, a two-year-old child found a gun in Hooper’s apartment and accidentally shot himself in the arm. Police found the gun used by the child and two additional guns in Hooper’s car. Five months later, another two-year-old child found a gun in Hooper’s apartment and accidentally shot himself. Both children survived.

Police pulled over Hooper’s car in February 2023 and found a pistol in the glove compartment and a pistol with a drum magazine in Hooper’s backpack in the backseat. Three months later, police found another gun in the glove compartment.

“Mr. Hooper is a serial offender who has brazenly defied the law,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “He has been caught with guns in his possession multiple times despite being a felon and prohibited from having them. Furthermore, his lawlessness put the lives of two young children in danger. My office will continue our efforts to keep guns out of the hands of felons, focused on those who drive violence in our communities.”

Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee praised U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and his team for their diligence in addressing habitual criminals like Hooper. “This is just one of many examples that hopefully show that criminals will be held accountable, and that Lansing is working hard with our federal partners to make the city a safer place,” Sosebee said.

The investigation was led by the Lansing Police Department, the East Lansing Police Department, the Michigan State University Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and the FBI, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Pulda.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson called Hooper’s actions “flagrantly reckless” and “a flagrant disregard for the law.” “The consequences of such recklessness are evident in the tragic incidents where two young children have suffered due to the irresponsible actions of an individual who should not have possessed a firearm in the first place,” Gibson said.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Grahambey's Gun Trade Scheme Exposed

Jul 1, 2021

Violent Crime

Diaz-Perez Faces Federal Heat for High-Stakes Heist

Jul 1, 2023

Violent Crime

Hallahan, Embezzlement and Money Laundering, Illinois 2024

Jul 1, 2012

Violent Crime

Jenkins, Money Laundering and Tax Evasion, Pennsylvania 2024

Jul 1, 2008