Steven Antonio Peterson, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, North Carolina 2021

Raleigh Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison After a Domestic Dispute Ended in Shots Fired at his Girlfriend

Steven Antonio Peterson, 32, of Raleigh, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, after a domestic dispute ended in shots fired at his girlfriend. Peterson pled guilty to the charges, according to a recent court ruling.

According to court documents, Peterson possessed a firearm on August 29, 2021 when he broke into his girlfriend’s house through a window, hit her in the face with a pistol, and then fired a round at her as she tried to walk away. The round nearly hit her. Peterson then threatened the victim.

Raleigh Police arrested Peterson on September 1, 2021, who was carrying a 9-millimeter handgun at the time of arrest. Ballistics determined that the same firearm was used in the shooting on August 29th. Peterson had previously been convicted of a felony and is not legally permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.

U.S. Attorney Michael Easley made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Raleigh Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Aubart prosecuting the case.

The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan initiative, a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.

The case, No. 5:22-CR-00145-BO-001, is available on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER. Peterson’s sentence brings a measure of justice to the victim, who narrowly escaped harm in the domestic dispute.

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