FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MONDAY - January 26, 2009

FELON PLEADS TO GUN POSSESSION CHARGE

RALEIGH - United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court here today WESLEY BERNARD GARNER, 41, of Raleigh, North Carolina, pled guilty before United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

A Federal Grand Jury returned a Criminal Indictment on September 10, 2008. On April 30, 2008, Raleigh Police officers obtained a state search warrant to search GARNER’s residence in Raleigh. During their search, officers found a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and a set of digital scales. Further investigation revealed that GARNER had purchased the gun six months previously.

GARNER’s previous convictions include possession of cocaine, robbery, auto larceny, and breaking and entering.

The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is up to 10 years imprisonment followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sentencing has been set for the April 27, 2009, term of court.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.

Investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Raleigh Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Ontjes served as prosecutor for the government.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce within 48 hours of release.