DENVER – Leon Askew, 50, of Colorado Springs is facing federal charges after allegedly being found with a firearm and ammunition despite a prior felony conviction. The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury, marks the culmination of a six-month investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
According to court documents, Askew possessed the firearm and ammunition on January 31, 2022, knowingly violating federal law prohibiting convicted felons from owning such weapons. The specific nature of the prior felony conviction has not been released. The case highlights the ongoing struggle to keep guns out of the hands of those legally barred from possessing them.
The apprehension of Askew wasn’t easy. U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan praised the collaborative effort of multiple agencies, stating, “It took more than six months to track down this individual, and we are relieved he was finally taken into custody without incident.” The U.S. Marshals Service ultimately took Askew into custody, receiving assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Askew made his initial appearance in federal court before Judge N. Reid Neureiter on December 30, 2022. He is currently presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant United States Attorney Al Buchman is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Askew faces a potential maximum sentence determined by federal sentencing guidelines, though the specific penalty hasn’t been announced.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The program emphasizes building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically targeting enforcement efforts.
The indictment carries case number 22-cr-145. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the federal court system, providing updates on Askew’s legal proceedings and any potential sentencing. The ATF Denver Field Division led the investigation, demonstrating a continued focus on firearms-related offenses in the region.
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