Williams, Money Laundering and Racketeering, Illinois 2024 · Michigan
Austin Theodoropoulos, Firearms Offense, Indiana 2025 · Kansas
Al Stewart Jr, Unlawful Firearm Possession, Illinois 2023 · Illinois
Jonnetric Devonte Ivey, Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Florida 2023 · Indiana
Christopher J. Melahn, Possessing a Firearm as a Felon, Illinois 2023 · Arkansas

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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Belleville man to 240 months’ imprisonment after he was caught with a firearm as a convicted felon following a police chase in Washington County.

Michael Oliver, 46, was convicted of one count of felon in possession of a firearm in December.

“This 20-year sentence delivers an unmistakable warning: felons who arm themselves, flee justice, and threaten our officers’ safety will confront the full, unwavering strength of our commitment to protect those who serve—accountability isn’t just a word, it’s our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Nashville Police officers tried to conduct a traffic stop on Oliver’s vehicle on July 5, 2024, but Oliver kept driving and tried to evade law enforcement.

The police chase route took Oliver through the grass of the Perry County Courthouse, where he struck a police vehicle. Oliver then proceeded to flee on foot until his arrest.

Along the police chase route, officers located a Lorcin model L380 firearm Oliver discarded from his vehicle.

“ATF has no greater mission than working with our law enforcement partners to bring those who blatantly disregard the safety of our communities, to justice. As this sentence shows, those who choose to put the lives of our citizens and police officers at risk, will be held accountable,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Special Agent in Charge, Bernard Hansen.

Following imprisonment, Oliver will serve four years of supervised release.

The Nashville Police Department and ATF contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Hudson prosecuted the case.