Robert Lee Allen, Jr. Gun Possession, Morristown TN, 2023

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Robert Lee Allen, Jr., a 55-year-old resident of Morristown, Tennessee, will spend the next 17 and a half years in federal prison after being sentenced to 210 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence was handed down on April 7, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Clifton L. Corker.

The case stems from a February 14, 2022 incident where Allen, also known as “Skeeter,” allegedly struck his spouse with a firearm. Following the domestic assault, police arrested Allen the next day. A search of his vehicle revealed the weapon used in the attack – a handgun later determined to be stolen from Cocke County, Tennessee.

Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) quickly uncovered a disturbing pattern. Allen admitted to acquiring the stolen firearm through a dangerous trade: methamphetamine and heroin in exchange for the weapon, obtained from another convicted felon. This transaction fueled the cycle of violence and put a loaded gun into the hands of someone already with a lengthy criminal record.

Allen’s past is riddled with violent felony convictions, including Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Robbery, and Aggravated Burglary. This latest conviction adds significantly to his existing sentence, and upon his release, Allen will face an additional five years of supervised release. The Eastern District of Tennessee U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Francis M. Hamilton III, prosecuted the case with Assistant U.S. Attorney B. Todd Martin at the helm.

“This sentence sends a powerful message to those with a violent, felony history who continue to arm themselves,” stated U.S. Attorney Hamilton. “This case is part of the Department of Justice’s comprehensive strategy to target and prosecute the most serious offenders who pose the greatest threats to safety and peace within the community.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson added, “There is one less criminal off our streets. The ATF will continue to use all of our resources to disrupt the illegal possession of firearms, distribution of narcotics and other acts of violence within our community.”

The investigation and prosecution of Robert Lee Allen, Jr. was also conducted under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to foster collaboration between law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program focuses on building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically targeting the most dangerous offenders. The goal: safer neighborhoods for everyone.

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