Fresno Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Fresno, CA – In a shocking turn of events, 45-year-old Stephen Stinson of Fresno was sentenced to 10 years in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner.
The case against Stinson began on January 22, 2014 when police officers stopped him for driving while using his cellphone. The officers noticed a large blade protruding from under the driver’s seat and saw a knife on the passenger’s seat. The officers discovered that Stinson had no driver’s license, was on probation, and had a warrant for his arrest. During a search of the car, officers found a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition. Stinson had two prior felony convictions, which made him prohibited from possessing a firearm.
“Every time we seize a single firearm from a convicted felon, we prevent impending violent acts from occurring in our neighborhoods,” stated ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric D. Harden. “ATF and our partners will not surrender to those who are a threat to our communities and cannot lawfully possess a firearm.”
This case is a product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fresno Police Department. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a joint initiative to combat gang and gun violence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Sanchez and Patrick R. Delahunty prosecuted the case.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that our communities are safe from violent crimes and the threat of felons possessing firearms,” said United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner.
Stinson was sentenced by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill. The case is a sobering reminder of the importance of law enforcement working together to keep our communities safe.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat gun violence and gang activity in Fresno and surrounding areas. The conviction and sentencing of Stinson demonstrate the commitment of the federal government to ensure that those who pose a threat to public safety are held accountable.
The Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are to be commended for their tireless efforts in investigating and prosecuting this case. Their dedication to keeping our communities safe is a testament to the importance of law enforcement working together to achieve justice.
The case is a reminder that the federal government will continue to work with local law enforcement to combat gang and gun violence in our communities.
Defendant:
Stephen Stinson
Criminal Charges:
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
City and State:
Fresno, California
Exact Date:
January 22, 2014
Sentence or Outcome:
10 years in prison
Related Federal Cases
- John Damian, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, California 2023 · Virginia
- Teranee Millet, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Destructive Device, California 2023 · Washington
- Ryan Scott Bradford, Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Possession of Machine Guns, California 2023 · California
- Billy Fobbs, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, California 2024 · Florida
- Billy Fobbs, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, California 2023 · California
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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