Theophilus Smith, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Mississippi 2023

A 23-year-old Jackson man has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a press release.

Theophilus Smith, 23, was found to be in possession of a firearm after the Byram and Clinton Police Departments executed a search warrant at a residence in Jackson, according to court documents. While executing the search warrant, three firearms belonging to Smith were located inside the residence. Smith has a prior felony conviction and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury and he pled guilty on May 31, 2023 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica S. Terrill and Matt Allen.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the government’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.

Smith will serve 51 months in federal prison for his crime. As he begins his sentence, Smith’s case serves as a reminder that the government will continue to work tirelessly to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe. The case against Smith was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The government’s efforts to reduce violent crime have been successful, with a decrease in violent crime rates across the country. However, there is still more work to be done, and the government will continue to work with local law enforcement to identify and prosecute those who commit violent crimes.

Theophilus Smith’s sentence is a result of his guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Smith’s prior felony conviction prohibited him from possessing a firearm, and his actions resulted in a 51-month sentence. This case is a reminder that the government will hold individuals accountable for their actions and work to reduce violent crime in communities across the country.

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