Nicholas Cooper, Felon in Possession of Firearms, Arizona 2016

A Hotevilla man has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for violating federal firearms laws. Nicholas Cooper, 32, was handed down the sentence by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi.

Cooper pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms, a charge that carries severe penalties. The court found that in December 2014 and January 2015, Cooper possessed two firearms despite being prohibited from doing so due to a previous felony conviction. One of the firearms was also discovered to have been stolen from another enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe.

The investigation into Cooper's actions was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services (Hopi Agency).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels handled the prosecution for the case. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona, Phoenix, was responsible for bringing the charges against Cooper.

Cooper will serve 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The exact date of the sentencing was not provided in the release.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to federal firearms laws. Violating these laws can have severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona, Phoenix, is committed to enforcing these laws and holding accountable those who break them.

For more information on the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/.

Follow the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Defendant: Nicholas Cooper

Criminal Charge: Felon in Possession of Firearms

City and State: Hotevilla, Arizona

Sentencing Date: Not specified

Sentence: 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/hotevilla-man-sentenced-37-months-illegally-possessing-firearms