Date: 10-10-2020

Case Style:

Case Number: 4:20-cr-00069-DN

Judge: David Nuffer

Court: United States District Court for the District of Utah (Washington County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office, Salt Lake City, Utah

Defendant's Attorney:

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Description: St. George, Utah criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with felony firearm possession.

Rashaan Mamao Matalolo of St. George, Utah, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order. Under federal law, individuals subject to a domestic violence protective order are prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Matalolo, 25, pleaded guilty to the charge in a Felony Information at a hearing in July before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Kohler. He admitted that he possessed a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol on May 8, 2020. He also stipulated that he knew he was subject to domestic violence protective order that prohibited him from possessing firearms.

“Cases that allow us to get firearms out of the hands of domestic violence abusers are always a priority. Law enforcement officers around the state are watching for such violations and refer the cases to us. If anyone knows of someone in possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order, please reach out to your local police department,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said today.

“This is critically important as we work to protect victims of domestic violence during this time of COVID-19. Many stressors are exacerbated during the pandemic, including isolation and financial strain. Victims are in danger if they are isolated with an abuser or fear retaliation if they separate from the abuser,” Huber said. “With these types of prosecutions, we have a valuable tool to help protect victims.”

Matalolo came to the attention of officers with the St. George Police Department about 12:15 a.m. on May 8, 2020. Officers made contact with three individuals, including Matalolo, in the parking lot of the Clarion Suites in St. George. According to a complaint filed in the case, officers smelled the odor of marijuana and observed that an underage individual had an open can of beer.

An officer observed a handgun holstered on the side of a fanny pack Matalolo was wearing on his hips. As officers attempted to detain the three individuals, Matalolo fled on foot. An officer chasing him observed him drop the fanny pack and the firearm on the ground. Matalolo was able to escape and was not apprehended by officers that day.

Officers found the firearm Matalolo dropped. It did not contain ammunition and was later determined to be stolen. The gun holster was still attached to the fanny pack. Officers found identification documents belonging to Matalolo inside the fanny pack. Officers determined that Matalolo is subject to a valid protective order. He was arrested May 24, 2020, on an unrelated drug offense and booked into the Washington County jail.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the St. George Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah. Officers with the St. George Police Department and special agents of the DEA are investigating the case.

18:922(g)(8) UNLAWFUL TRANSPORT OF FIREARMS, ETC./Possession of a Firearm While Subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order
(1)

Outcome: Defendant pleaded guilty. SENTENCE: Defendant committed to custody of Bureau of Preisons for 18 months. Upon release, defendant to be under Supervised Release for 36 months. FINE: None. SPA: $100.00

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