Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell handed down a 10-year prison sentence to Everett Jamal Taite, a 30-year-old resident of Charlotte, for his possession of a stolen firearm at the Charlotte Transportation Center. The announcement was made by Dena J. King, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, and Brian Mein, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Court records reveal that on October 4, 2022, Taite was found in possession of a small bag of cocaine in a public restroom at the transportation center. When confronted by law enforcement, he resisted arrest, struck an officer, and claimed to have a firearm. In his waistband, officers discovered a loaded .45 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen. Taite has a previous criminal record and is currently in federal custody awaiting transfer to a federal facility. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities.
Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Stolen Firearm at Charlotte Transportation Center
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Background Information
The recent sentencing of Everett Jamal Taite, a 30-year-old Charlotte resident, to 10 years in prison has brought attention to the issue of firearm possession and its impact on public safety. Taite was found guilty of possessing a stolen firearm at the Charlotte Transportation Center, a highly frequented location in the city. The case highlights the dedication of law enforcement in combating illegal firearm possession and emphasizes the severe consequences that accompany such actions.
Incident at Charlotte Transportation Center
On October 4, 2022, law enforcement encountered Taite in a public restroom at the Charlotte Transportation Center. Upon observation, they noticed that he was in possession of a small bag of cocaine. When confronted by the officers, Taite attempted to conceal the cocaine in his backpack. Furthermore, he displayed non-compliance with the commands given by the officers, resisted arrest, assaulted an officer, and claimed to possess a gun. Consequently, he was swiftly taken into custody, where officers discovered a loaded .45 caliber pistol tucked into his waistband. It was later revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen.
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Arrest and Discovery of Stolen Firearm
Following his arrest, law enforcement found a stolen firearm in Taite’s possession. The loaded .45 caliber pistol was recovered from his waistband, providing concrete evidence of his illegal activities. The status of the firearm as stolen further strengthens the case against Taite and underscores the seriousness of the offense.
Previous Convictions
Taite’s criminal record includes various convictions related to gun possession and other offenses. He has previously been convicted in state court for conspiracy to commit common law robbery, two counts of felony breaking and entering, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These prior convictions suggest a pattern of unlawful behavior and demonstrate the need for appropriate legal action to protect public safety.
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Guilty Plea and Sentencing
After being charged with possession of a stolen firearm, Taite pleaded guilty to the offense on April 17, 2023. The case was brought before U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell, who sentenced Taite to 10 years in prison, followed by a three-year period of supervised release. The significant sentence reflects the severity of the crime committed and serves as a deterrent for individuals involved in similar illegal activities.
Acknowledgement of ATF’s Investigation
The successful resolution of the case owes much to the efforts of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Brian Mein, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Charlotte Field Division, played a vital role in investigating the matter. The ATF’s contribution to the case is commendable, and their dedication to ensuring public safety is appreciated by the community and law enforcement agencies.
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Prosecution of the Case
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kelly, hailing from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, was responsible for prosecuting the case against Taite. Kelly’s expertise in navigating the legal proceedings and presenting compelling arguments ensured a fair and just trial. The successful prosecution reinforces the commitment of the legal system to hold individuals accountable for their actions and maintain public safety.
Inclusion in Project Safe Neighborhoods
Taite’s case highlights the importance of initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) in addressing gun violence and reducing crime rates. PSN is a collaborative program that brings together law enforcement agencies and communities to create safer neighborhoods. By focusing on core principles such as fostering trust, supporting community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results, PSN aims to decrease violent crime and gun violence. The prosecution of Taite’s case aligns with PSN’s objectives and demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach in ensuring public safety.
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Transfer to Federal Custody
Following his sentencing, Taite is currently in federal custody and is awaiting transfer to a designated federal Bureau of Prisons facility. This transfer ensures that he serves his sentence within the federal correctional system, which adheres to strict security protocols and aims to rehabilitate offenders while mitigating the risk to society.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Everett Jamal Taite for possession of a stolen firearm at the Charlotte Transportation Center sends a clear message that illegal possession of firearms will not be tolerated. Taite’s case serves as a reminder of the dedication of law enforcement agencies in combating gun violence and upholding public safety. The collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the ATF, and other agencies involved in the prosecution highlights the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in addressing criminal activity. The successful resolution of this case further emphasizes the significance of initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods in creating safer communities and reducing violent crime. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, the justice system works to ensure a safer future for all.
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