EVANSVILLE, IN – Ronald Chapman, 46, of Evansville, Indiana, is headed to federal prison for over nine years after being convicted of illegally possessing and attempting to sell firearms. The sentence, handed down this week, marks the culmination of a case originating back in October 2018, when law enforcement received intel suggesting Chapman was stockpiling weapons for illicit sales.
A search warrant executed at Chapman’s residence uncovered a disturbing arsenal: nine firearms in total, including a dangerous AK-style rifle, three other long guns, and five handguns. The discovery wasn’t just about the quantity; it was about who was holding them. Chapman freely admitted to owning the firearms and actively trying to sell them, even anticipating the presence of illegal drugs – marijuana and methamphetamine – within the home.
What makes this case particularly egregious is Chapman’s extensive criminal history. Court records reveal he previously spent 16 years incarcerated in Illinois for manufacturing methamphetamine. This prior conviction permanently stripped him of the right to legally own any firearms. Yet, he brazenly amassed a collection and attempted to profit from its illegal distribution, potentially putting more guns into the hands of criminals.
“Far too many firearms are illegally trafficked into our communities, driving the gun violence that devastates far too many families,” stated Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed, repeat offenders like this defendant play a significant role in driving violent crime in our neighborhoods and must be stopped. We will work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute criminals who illegally deal in deadly weapons.”
Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, echoed those sentiments. “This is a scenario we see all too often – not only is the defendant prohibited from possessing firearms due to his own prior conduct, but he is also selling guns to others who in all likelihood aren’t legally able to possess them either,” McCormick said. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to block the flow of illegally possessed firearms that feed the cycle of violence.”
U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young imposed the 110-month (9 years, 2 months) sentence. Chapman will also face three years of supervised release following his prison term. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Wheatley and investigated by the ATF. The prosecution falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities.
Related Federal Cases
- Rogelio Castaneda, Firearms Trafficking, Chicago IL, 2024 · Illinois
- Gregory F. Young, Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, S… · Illinois
- Kevin K. McCaffery Mailed Fake Explosive Device, Evansville IN, 2016 · Illinois
- Mason France, Possession of Stolen Firearms, IN 2024 · Illinois
- Jeremy Handshoe, Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person, IN … · Illinois
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
