Description: Shreveport, Louisiana criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On May 9, 2020, a trooper with the Louisiana State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and Lovoriss Montray Powell, age 39, of Shreveport, was identified as the driver and sole occupant. The trooper asked for permission to search the vehicle and Powell gave consent. During the search, the trooper found a loaded 9mm firearm under the driver’s seat. Powell was arrested and later admitted that he had put the firearm under the seat and knew that because he had prior felony convictions, he was prohibited from having a firearm. An investigation by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that the firearm was stolen. Powell’s prior felony convictions are for simple burglary (2000), accessory after the fact armed robbery (2001), illegal use of a weapon (2002), and domestic abuse battery (2010).

“This defendant has multiple felony convictions and chose to illegally possess a stolen firearm,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Given the epidemic concerning the illegal possession of firearms in the Shreveport area, I want it to be clear that the United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute those who violate federal firearm laws and will seek sentences of imprisonment.”

This case was investigated by the ATF and Louisiana State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.

UNLAWFUL TRANSPORT OF FIREARMS, ETC. - Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon with Forfeiture Notice
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Outcome: Defendant sentenced to 72 months imprisonment; 3 years supervised release; $100 special assessment

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