JEREMY ALEXANDER CARSON, 31, of Tacoma, Washington, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Ronald B. Leighton to 30 years in prison and five years of supervised release following his conviction in federal court for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and Possessing a firearm in furtherance of Drug Trafficking. CARSON was convicted by a jury in April, 2006. CARSON is a repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history, including several convictions for crimes of violence. CARSON, who goes by the nickname “Ru,” was well known to law enforcement in Pierce County through his numerous contacts with police. At the time of his indictment on federal charges, CARSON was on the Pierce County Violent Crime Task Force’s Top Ten Most Wanted List.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that CARSON was driving a vehicle on I-5 in Tacoma when he was pulled over by the Washington State Patrol for suspicion of DUI. Unable to produce a driver’s license, CARSON sped away as the Trooper stood next to the car. Following a high speed pursuit, CARSON abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot, leaving a female passenger in the car. During a search of the vehicle, officers found two loaded handguns, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and packaging materials. The investigation linked these items to CARSON.

At sentencing, Special Assistant United States Attorney Kent Liu noted that CARSON stands out from most other criminals because his crimes typically involved violence or assaults. In handing down the 30 year sentence, Judge Leighton agreed that CARSON’s history is serious and violent, and Judge Leighton stated that he needed to protect the community from the defendant.

CARSON was prosecuted in federal court through cooperation between the Washington State Department of Corrections and the U.S. Attorney’s Office under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. Unveiled by President George W. Bush in May 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a comprehensive and strategic approach to gun law enforcement. PSN is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America by networking both new and existing local programs that target gun crime and then providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed. Implementation at the local level -- in this case, in Pierce County -- has fostered close partnerships between federal, state and local prosecutors and law enforcement.

The case was investigated by the Washington State Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Pierce County Violent Crime Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kent Liu.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.

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