Ronald Keith Gibbons, Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, North Dakota 2015

Williston, North Dakota – Ronald Keith Gibbons, 28, of Williston, N.D., has been sentenced to seven years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

According to U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon, Gibbons was stopped by law enforcement on two separate occasions in 2014 for traffic violations. During the stops, police discovered a loaded .45 handgun in a tool bag in the back seat, as well as a shoulder holster and loaded gun magazine on his person.

Gibbons was prohibited from possessing either a firearm or ammunition due to his prior felony convictions in Washington state, including assault in the third degree in 2004, unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree in 2005, and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or forged prescription in 2011.

On April 15, 2014, Gibbons was stopped for a traffic violation, and after being arrested for driving under suspension, a law enforcement search resulted in the discovery of a loaded .45 handgun in a tool bag in the back seat.

On June 11, 2014, Gibbons was operating a motorcycle with an expired registration in Williston. When an officer attempted to stop him, Gibbons fled at a high rate of speed and crashed. He fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended and had a shoulder holster and loaded gun magazine on him. A witness stated she observed Gibbons crash, run and throw a gun.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Williston Police Department.

Gibbons was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.

The case highlights the importance of enforcing laws related to firearm possession, particularly for individuals with prior felony convictions.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Williston Police Department worked together to investigate the case and bring Gibbons to justice.

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