Patrick Vaughn, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Tennessee 2021

A convicted felon with a penchant for firearms has landed himself behind bars. Patrick Vaughn, 35, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

In a brazen display of disregard for the law, Vaughn was observed by detectives with the Memphis Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) driving a 2006 Kia Amanti on January 4, 2019. The detectives were conducting surveillance in the area of Poplar Ave and Hollywood Street, looking for a suspect in a carjacking that occurred at the Gold Club in Memphis, Tennessee on December 21, 2018.

Instead of pulling over for the traffic stop, Vaughn attempted to evade the law by making several U-turns at a high rate of speed, ultimately striking several vehicles. His high-speed getaway was short-lived, however, as he was apprehended after a short foot chase.

During the search of the vehicle, a Ruger .380 pistol was found on the passenger’s side floorboard. Vaughn’s front seat passenger claimed the firearm did not belong to her, but Vaughn himself waived his Miranda rights and admitted to possessing the firearm.

Vaughn’s prior convictions for Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Identity Theft, and Carjacking make him a convicted felon, prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition. His actions on January 4, 2019, put the public and law enforcement in danger, prompting U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant to say, ‘As a fleeing felon in possession of a firearm, Vaughn presented a danger to the public and to law enforcement in multiple ways.’

Vaughn’s sentence of 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, sends a strong message that recidivist behavior will not be tolerated. The Memphis Police Department – Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case, with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuting on behalf of the government.

Vaughn’s actions have made Memphis a safer place, and it’s a timely reminder that the consequences of breaking the law can be severe. As U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant stated, ‘The seven year sentence imposed in this case rightly punishes him for his recidivist behavior, removes him from the community, and makes Memphis a safer place.’

Defendant: Patrick Vaughn

Exact Crime: Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm

City and State: Memphis, TN

Exact Date: January 4, 2019 (arrest date), January 13, 2021 (sentencing date)

Sentence: 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release

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