January 25, 2010

COLORADO SPRINGS FELON FOUND GUILTY OF POSSESSING FIREARM

DENVER – William James Rucker, age 34, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was recently found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, following a two day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer, United States Attorney David Gaouette and Acting ATF Special Agent in Charge Melvin D. King announced.  The jury deliberated for just over an hour before reaching their verdict.  Rucker, a five-time felon, appeared at the trial in custody.  He was remanded following the verdict.

William James Rucker was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on June 9, 2009.  His jury trial began on January 11, 2010.  He was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm on January 12, 2010.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Brimmer on April 2, 2010.

According to the indictment, and information that came out during the trial, on May 11, 2009, Rucker, having been previously convicted of crimes punishable by over a year imprisonment, did unlawfully and knowingly possess a firearm, namely a Smith & Wesson, Model M 60-7, .38 S&W SPL revolver.

“The results of this investigation shows that the commitment between the Colorado Springs Police Department and the ATF is successfully combating violent crime committed by the worst of the worst,” said Acting ATF Special Agent in Charge Melvin D. King.

The penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is not more than 10 years in federal prison, up to a $250,000 fine, or both.  However, if the defendant has 3 or more aggravated felonies, he would be considered an armed career criminal, which carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with substantial assistance from the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Rucker was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt Bohn.

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