Lavon Pemberton, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Massachusetts 2020

A loaded firearm, thousands in cash, and multiple bags of marijuana — that’s what Springfield man Lavon Pemberton, 32, was caught with during a routine speeding stop on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Now, he’s facing federal time after being indicted on gun and drug charges stemming from the May 14, 2020, incident.

Pemberton was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The indictment, handed down yesterday, adds to a growing criminal record: Pemberton was previously convicted in federal court for the same firearm offense and was on supervised release at the time of the traffic stop.

State police pulled over the rented vehicle for speeding. A search quickly turned up evidence: a loaded gun stashed inside the car, bundles of cash totaling thousands of dollars, and multiple sealed bags of marijuana. According to charging documents, Pemberton admitted he planned to sell the drugs upon arrival at his destination — a confession that could carry serious weight at trial.

The firearm charge alone carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The drug distribution charge adds another five years behind bars, two years of supervised release, and another $250,000 in penalties. A federal judge will determine the final sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory considerations.

Pemberton is scheduled to be arraigned in Worcester federal court on Monday, Aug. 10, 2020. He’ll face prosecution from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office, under the umbrella of United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling’s office. The case is being jointly pursued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Massachusetts State Police.

As with all federal cases, Pemberton is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. But with a prior conviction, a weapon, and intent to distribute charges on the table, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The government’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Lelling, ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelley D. Brady, and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Kylin Demond Russell, Possession of Unregistered Short-Barreled Rifles and Destructive Devices, Mississippi 2024

Apr 8, 2026

Weapons

David L. Maricola, Illegally Exporting Firearms, Massachusetts 2016

Aug 25, 2016

Weapons

Jeffrey Hill, Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Pennsylvania 2024

May 13, 2026

Weapons

Terrance Joseph Kilburg, Felon in Possession of Firearms and Unregistered National Firearms Act Weapons, Iowa 2014

Feb 19, 2015