Jackson, TN - Willie Lester Gates, Jr., 38 of Tiptonville, TN,  was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 16, 2010, on the charge of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Lawrence J. Laurenzi, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.  Gates was arrested today and had his initial appearance in Federal Court.  A Detention Hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2010 in Jackson.

According to the indictment, on January 4, 2010, Gates was found to be in possession of a 12 gauge shotgun and a 9mm pistol in violation of Title 18 USC 922 (g).  Violation of this statute carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.  If the defendant has three or more convictions of drug felonies or three or more convictions of crimes of violence, the sentence will be not less than 15 years in prison.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Tiptonville Police Department, and  West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force..  Assistant United States Attorney Leigh Grinalds is handling the case for the government.

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