Alton Resident Sentenced For Illegally Possessing A Firearm

Edwin Stewart, a 35-year old Alton, Illinois, resident, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 57 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

In September, 2012, Stewart pled guilty to being a convicted felon who had knowingly possessed a New England Firearms, .22 L.R. caliber revolver, on or about August 8, 2011.

Having considered the facts and circumstances surrounding Stewart’s conviction and his criminal history, which was extensive, the Court chose the 57-month sentence. There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Stewart will serve 3-years of supervised release. United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton noted that, “My office remains committed to prosecuting criminals who illegally possess firearms. A sentence like this one sends a strong message.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Alton Police Department investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump.