Mario Senior Gets 235 Months for Gun Possession

Mario Senior, 37, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison on December 12, 2016, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The ruling came from U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, capping a violent foot chase that ended with a gun and methamphetamine tossed into a neighbor’s yard.

On May 17, 2015, Columbus Police initiated a traffic stop that turned explosive when the passenger—later identified as Senior—bolted from the vehicle. Officers gave chase, and a physical struggle followed. During the confrontation, the officer spotted a large black object in Senior’s hand—later confirmed as a pistol. The weapon was recovered from a nearby yard, along with eleven bags containing 4.8 grams of methamphetamine.

Senior admitted he was a convicted felon and knew he had no legal right to possess a firearm. He pleaded guilty to Count One of the indictment on August 4, 2016, setting the stage for a stiff federal sentence. Prosecutors emphasized the danger posed by armed felons actively engaged in drug crimes.

“Drug dealing is the most prolific crime seen by this office, but the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon while doing so greatly increases our concern,” said United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III. “With the recent proliferation of violence involving firearms against officers and citizens, anyone possessing a firearm while committing a federal offense can expect prosecution of all available firearms violations and increased sentences for doing so.”

ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt underscored the agency’s resolve: “Today’s sentence is another reminder that ATF and our law enforcement partners will hold individuals accountable for any criminal behavior, especially that which threatens the safety of innocent civilians.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case. For more information, contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.