PAYETTE MAN SENTENCED FOR GUN CRIME

Jerry Desilva Ferreira, 28, of Payette, Idaho, was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 120 months in federal prison for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, the United States Attorney’s Office announced today. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Ferreira to serve three years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.

Ferreira was found guilty by a federal jury in March 2009. During the two-day trial, the jury heard evidence that Ferreira possessed and sold three firearms to a police informant. The jury found him guilty of “felon in possession,” as he possessed the three firearms after having been convicted of the felony crime of aggravated assault.

Ferreira’s case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Payette City Police Department and the High Desert Task Force. Ferreira’s prosecution was part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho. He was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and Idaho State Police.

The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southeast Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information visit treasurevalleypartners.org.