Wanbli Morris, Illegal Possession of Firearm, South Dakota 2020

State: South Dakota
Category: Violent Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/rapid-city-man-sentenced-illegal-possession-firearm-6" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

In a shocking turn of events, Wanbli Morris, 34, was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison for his role in the illegal possession of a firearm, a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which he forcibly took from a sales clerk during a robbery at the Rapid City Fresh Start convenience store in April 2019.

Morris, a previously convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms. His conviction is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The initiative was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals.

The case is also part of Project Guardian, a signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination among federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case, which resulted in Morris being sentenced to 6 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Morris was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, marking the end of a long and arduous process. The community can rest easier knowing that justice has been served, and that those who commit crimes with firearms will face the full weight of the law.

The case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. By working together, we can reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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