United States Attorney Leura G. Canary Middle District of Alabama

HAYNEVILLE FELON SENTENCED TO 33 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR POSSESSING GUN AND MARIJUANA

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA— Jason Simpson, age 25, of Hayneville, Alabama, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for federal drug and firearm charges, announced Leura G. Canary, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.

On June 13, 2007, a two count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury against Simpson charging him with possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g), and possession of marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 844(a). Court documents indicate that the charges stem from Simpson’s arrest on July 16, 2006. On said date, law enforcement observed Simpson not wearing a seatbelt as he rode in the front passenger seat of a car. Law enforcement initiated a traffic stop, and Simpson fled from the vehicle on foot. When Simpson exited the car, law enforcement recognized Simpson, knew he was a convicted felon, and knew he had outstanding arrest warrants. During the foot pursuit, law enforcement observed Simpson toss a firearm toward a nearby tree. Simpson was subsequently apprehended, and a small quantity of marijuana was found on his person. Simpson has previous convictions for possession of a forged instrument, theft of property first degree, and escape third degree.

On January 10, 2008, Simpson pleaded guilty to the federal charges of felon in possession of a firearm and simple possession of marijuana. Chief United States District Judge Mark E. Fuller sentenced Simpson to a term of imprisonment of 33 months to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerusha T. Adams.