Convicted felon Ronald Johnson, 30, of Memphis, has pleaded guilty to being in possession of a stolen firearm, according to U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant. The case marks another blow to the city’s violent crime epidemic.
The incident began on March 11, 2019, when Memphis Police Department officers noticed a grey BMW with a missing headlight on Yale Road. A traffic stop ensued, leading to the discovery of marijuana and Johnson himself.
Further investigation revealed the existence of a loaded Sig Sauer P938 9mm handgun in the vehicle’s glovebox. The gun, it turned out, had been reported stolen from West Memphis, Arkansas. Johnson’s girlfriend claimed she recently purchased the car but was out of town when Johnson drove it.
With prior felony convictions including aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, Johnson is legally barred from owning firearms or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing the gun on September 9, 2020, facing up to 10 years in federal prison, three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant emphasized the dangers posed by stolen firearms in the hands of violent felons, noting that this conviction will aid in reducing crime in Memphis. The case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force, part of a larger effort to combat gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
Samuel D. Winnig, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement and the Justice Department to combat violent crime and ensure public safety.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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