Anchorage Man indicted by Federal Grand Jury for illegal possession of firearms

Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Feldis announced today that an Anchorage man has been indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

James Laneal Lee, III, 36, of Wasilla, Alaska, is the sole defendant named in the one-count indictment for illegal possession of firearms on or about August 10, 2011.  The indictment alleges that Lee possessed two separate handguns, a .44 caliber revolver and a .45 caliber pistol.  As a convicted felon, Lee is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Courter, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. 

“Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. Enforcement of that law keeps firearms out of the hands of criminals and keeps our community safer,” stated Mr. Feldis.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. 

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.