United States Attorney Leura G. Canary Middle District of Alabama

MONTGOMERY MAN INDICTED FOR POSSESSING
A GUN WHILE SUBJECT TO A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Leura G. Canary, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, announced today that Maurice Anderson, age 23, of Montgomery, Alabama, has been indicted in federal court on a charge of illegally possessing a firearm.

The indictment alleges that on October 16, 2007, Anderson possessed a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protection order, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(8). Specifically, Anderson is accused of having possessed a ROMARM/CUGIR 7.62 mm assault rifle. If convicted, Anderson would face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following his release from prison.

Anderson was arraigned yesterday before a federal magistrate judge and pled not guilty to the charge. Anderson was previously arrested on a federal complaint. After his arrest a federal magistrate judge conducted a detention hearing and ordered Anderson’s detention pending trial. After hearing evidence of Anderson’s history of domestic violence and possession of firearms, the magistrate judge determined that Anderson posed a danger to the community. Anderson’s case is set for trial on January 14, 2008.

The case was investigated as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Middle District of Alabama’s Alabama ICE programs, aimed at preventing violent crime and the illegal possession of firearms. According to United States Attorney Leura G. Canary, “This case sends a strong message that we will enforce the federal law that prohibits offenders who are subject to a domestic violence protection order from possessing guns. Abusers must know that if a protection order is issued against them, they cannot possess a gun. The United States Attorney’s Office is dedicated to doing its part to fighting domestic violence in our community.”

This case was investigated through the joint efforts of the Montgomery Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Shepherd.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.