STOCKTON, Calif. — Somnang Chea, 34, of Stockton, faced a stern sentence today as he was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for unlawful possession of ammunition, the grim reality of gun violence in California brought to light by U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott.
In an unrelated case, Phirum Phin, 31, from Stockton, is serving seven years and eight months for his role in unlawful possession of a firearm on March 7, 2019. Both men ran from police after a traffic stop, leaving the streets of Stockton more dangerous than ever.
Chea’s crime was particularly heinous; he fled with a fully automatic handgun, untraceable and loaded with a laser sight and high-capacity magazine. His possession also included 5.88 grams of methamphetamine. Phin carried a stolen Glock with similar features, a clear threat to the public.
Both men have prior felony convictions, making their possession of firearms illegal under California law. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Stockton Police Department, and San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office collaborated in this investigation, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond.
This sentence is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN leverages community stakeholders to identify pressing issues and develop comprehensive solutions. It targets the most violent offenders while partnering with local programs for long-term reductions in crime.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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