Convicted Felon Who Hid Loaded Firearm Under His Minor Child Sentenced To 105 Months In Prison

RALEIGH - United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court today United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced VINCENT JAROD WILLIAMS, 30, of Spring Lake, to 105 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release upon conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in and Affecting Commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g) and 924.

On December 9, 2010, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department observed WILLIAMS drive through a red light.  As officers followed the vehicle they observed WILLIAMS making quick, rapid movements inside the vehicle and a traffic stop was conducted.  The defendant’s five-year-old child was strapped in a child safety seat in the rear of the vehicle.  When officers observed controlled substances in the passenger compartment they removed WILLIAMS to conduct a search.  At that time, officers observed an empty gun holster attached to the defendant’s belt.  WILLIAMS told officers that he did not have a gun because he was a felon.

For safety purposes, officers began to remove the defendant’s child from the car to search for the missing firearm and controlled substances.  The child, who had been crying during the entire encounter, stated, “My daddy only gave me this gun,” and retrieved a .22 caliber handgun from under his leg.  Officers safely took control of the handgun and found that its safety was disengaged with a live round in the chamber, and a further eight rounds in the magazine.  Another 54 rounds of ammunition were located in the vehicle.

At the time of these events, WILLIAMS had several prior convictions, including two prior convictions for possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance of the Fayetteville Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represented the Government.