Felon with Ghost Gun Gets 6+ Years in Illinois Lockup

Rock Island, IL – A Nevada man with a rap sheet longer than his drive to Illinois is spending the next six and a half years behind bars after attempting to sneak onto a military base armed with an untraceable handgun. Jacob Pangborn, 34, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison this week for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon – a charge carrying significant weight in a nation grappling with gun violence.

Pangborn’s troubles began when he tried to enter Rock Island Arsenal, a vital military installation straddling the Mississippi River. A routine check quickly revealed his driver’s license was revoked, escalating the situation. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded 9mm pistol stashed under the driver’s seat. What made the weapon particularly concerning? It had no serial number – a “ghost gun” assembled from parts, making it impossible to trace its origin and potentially linking it to other criminal activity.

Federal prosecutors weren’t buying Pangborn’s story, and rightfully so. His prior felony convictions in Nevada – the specifics of which remain undisclosed but are known to the court – disqualified him from legally possessing any firearm. This wasn’t a first offense; it was a deliberate disregard for the law, adding layers to the severity of the crime. The feds argued that Pangborn’s actions posed a clear and present danger to the personnel at Rock Island Arsenal and the wider community.

The sentencing hearing, presided over by U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, saw Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko drive home the point that such offenses will not be tolerated. “The illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons is a serious threat to public safety,” Mehochko stated in court. “This sentence sends a clear message that we will aggressively prosecute those who attempt to circumvent our gun laws.” Sentencing guidelines for this type of offense typically range from 18 to 36 months, but Pangborn’s prior record and the nature of the weapon – the untraceable ghost gun – pushed the sentence well above the standard range.

Pangborn will serve his 77-month sentence in a federal correctional facility. Upon release, he’ll face three years of supervised release, a period where his movements and activities will be closely monitored by a probation officer. This isn’t simply about punishment; it’s about rehabilitation and ensuring Pangborn doesn’t return to a life of crime. However, given his history, the chances of recidivism remain a significant concern for law enforcement.

The case is part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The program focuses on identifying the most dangerous offenders and targeting them with focused enforcement efforts. In May 2021, the program was revitalized with a renewed emphasis on data-driven strategies and community engagement. The Rock Island Arsenal Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) jointly investigated the case, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling gun crime.

The proliferation of ghost guns is a growing concern for law enforcement nationwide. These easily assembled firearms bypass many of the regulations associated with traditional firearms, making them attractive to criminals. The ATF i