Patrick Terrell Lewis, Jr., Gun Possession, Mississippi 2021

MERIDIAN, MS – Patrick Terrell Lewis, Jr., 30, of Meridian, Mississippi, has confessed to a federal crime that puts him back behind bars. Lewis pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a charge stemming from a January 7, 2021 traffic stop.

Lauderdale County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the 9mm pistol inside Lewis’s vehicle. What makes this more than a simple traffic violation? Lewis already had two prior felony convictions on his record and was actively serving probation at the time of the gun discovery. Federal law – specifically Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) – clearly prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms.

The case was swiftly picked up by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and now Lewis is looking at a potential decade in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2023, but the final decision rests with a federal district court judge. The judge will weigh the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors before handing down a sentence.

U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn jointly announced the guilty plea, highlighting this case as a win for the “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) program. PSN, a Department of Justice initiative, is designed to target violent offenders and reduce crime through coordinated federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is handling the prosecution. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office provided crucial support in the investigation, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of PSN. While the feds take the lead, local cops were the ones who initially flagged Lewis and his illegal firearm.

This case underscores the ongoing federal crackdown on armed criminals with prior convictions. While the justice system aims for rehabilitation, repeat offenders like Lewis force authorities to prioritize public safety, even if it means lengthy prison sentences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it occurs.

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