A convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm in Louisiana.
Orlando Rishawn Walter, 33, of Cedar Hill, Texas, was sentenced to 49 months in prison by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote in federal court.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 25, 2020, when deputies with the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle.
The driver was identified and asked to provide a registration for the vehicle. When the driver opened the passenger door to retrieve the paperwork, the deputy noticed another individual sitting in the passenger seat, who was later identified as Walter.
The deputy observed the butt end of a rifle sitting beside Walter and Walter’s left hand on the firearm. Walter was ordered to slowly exit the vehicle with hands raised and as he exited the vehicle, he fled into a nearby cemetery.
Deputies were unable to apprehend Walter at the time. Walter’s firearm was retrieved from the vehicle and deputies discovered that it was a loaded AR-15 pistol with a 30-round magazine, with a round in the chamber and the safety was in the off position.
Law enforcement agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that Walter has previous felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute Schedule I controlled substances (2008), possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (2015), and DWI (2017).
As such, Walter was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
Agents were able to locate Walter and he was arrested and charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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