Tyrone James, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Illinois 2021

BENTON, Ill. – A Cahokia man was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after he was caught with a firearm as a convicted felon.

Tyrone James, 47, pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release.

James was observed exiting and returning to a room holding a handgun at a motel in East St. Louis in July 2021, according to court documents. PSEG investigators determined that James was not involved in the shooting, however, officers were given consent to search the motel room and recovered a .22 caliber pistol.

During an interview with police, James admitted he had a prior felony possession and was therefore not able to legally possess a firearm. The Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group unit conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.

“The East St. Louis community has suffered from years of heartache and devastation due to gun violence, and one less felon in possession of a firearm is a positive step for the city’s revival,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.

“The Public Safety Enforcement Group continues to get illegal guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals who repeatedly break the law,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The collaborative effort between ISP, local and federal law enforcement agencies, the public, and the justice system is helping create safer communities.

James’ sentence is a result of the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement agencies working together to reduce gun violence and make communities safer. The case highlights the importance of community partnerships and the impact of collective efforts to bring criminals to justice.

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