California Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm

Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Jessica Payge Malcolm, 27, of California, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline, to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.   

According to court documents, on Jan. 27, 2018, APD officers responded to reports of gunfire at the Northway Mall near a children’s trampoline park.  Upon arrival to the scene, officers observed three individuals, including Malcolm, fleeing on foot.  When officers made contact with Malcolm, she was found in possession of a Glock .45 caliber pistol with an extended 30 round magazine, located in her waistband.  The investigation revealed that Malcolm was visiting from California, and had been in Alaska for approximately two weeks before being found in possession of the firearm. 

Malcolm was arrested for illegally possessing the firearm and was later released on bail.  Shortly after, Malcolm fled to California, failing to appear in court on the state charges filed in Alaska.  The case was then referred for federal prosecution, and Malcolm was subsequently located and arrested in California. 

Malcolm has five prior felony convictions in California for burglary, forgery, and fraud related offenses, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Stinson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.