July 7, 2010
CHRISTOPHER BASS OF COLORADO SPRINGS FOUND GUILTY OF BEING A FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM
DENVER – Christopher Michael Bass, age 44, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was found guilty late last Friday (July 2, 2010) by a jury in federal court of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney David Gaouette and ATF Special Agent in Charge Marvin Richardson announced. The jury trial, which was heard by U.S. Circuit Court Judge David M. Ebel, lasted five days prior to the jury reaching its verdict. Bass was convicted on count one of the indictment, namely being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was acquitted on count two of the indictment, also a felon in possession of a firearm charge. Bass, who represented himself during the trial, appeared at the hearing in custody. After the verdict, Bass was remanded into custody, and Judge Ebel scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 28, 2010.
Christopher Michael Bass was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on May 18, 2009. His trial began on June 28, 2010, with the jury reaching a verdict on July 2, 2010. The jury deliberated for four hours before reaching their verdict.
According to the indictment, on February 25, 2009, Bass did unlawfully and knowingly possess a Smith and Wesson, Model 66, .357 caliber revolver, having been previously convicted of crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Specifically, Bass has a prior conviction for unlawful use of a weapon. It is a violation of federal law for felons to possess firearms.
“This joint investigation illustrates the collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels working together to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Marvin Richardson. “We will continue to combine our resources to protect our citizens and make our communities a safer place to live.”
Bass faces not more than 10 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine for his conviction as a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Colorado Springs Police Department, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Bass was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kurt Bohn and Ryan Bergsieker.
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