Sureno Gang Member Sentenced To Over 4 Years In Federal Prison For Being A Felon In Possession Of A Firearm

DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Clinton White, age 30, of Colorado Springs, and a member of the Sureno gang, was sentenced to serve a total of 53 months (just under 4.5 years) in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for violating the terms of his supervised release.  Following his prison sentence, White was ordered to serve 3 years on supervised release.  The defendant appeared in custody.  The Denver Field Division of the ATF joined in this announcement. 

According to the stipulated facts contained in White’s plea agreement, on December 7, 2019, a Colorado Springs police officer observed a suspected hand-to-hand drug transaction between occupants of a black Chevrolet Suburban and a white motorcycle.  An officer conducted a traffic stop of the Suburban which was being driven by White. 

After a search of the vehicle driven by White, officers found a 12 gauge shotgun, 12 gauge shotgun shells, .40 caliber ammunition, firearm magazines containing ammunition, six bulletproof vests, suspected drugs, and drug paraphernalia.  White was a multi-time felon, including a prior federal felony conviction for assault on an officer.

“This case is a perfect example of our ongoing effort to help local communities rid themselves of the worst violent offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “Thanks to the great work of the ATF, the CSPD, and our team, an armed gang member is off the streets for years.”

“This investigation is another example of the strength of our law enforcement partnerships,” said David Booth, Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Division of the ATF.  “ATF will continue to work with our local partners to keep our communities safe.”

White was under federal supervision for assaulting an officer when he was caught with the firearm and ammunition.  He was sentenced to 48 months for the felon in possession of the firearm case, and was given an additional consecutive 5 months for the supervised release violation. 

He was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Treaster.  The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore.  The case was investigated by the Denver Field Division of the ATF and the Colorado Springs Police Department.  

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.  Related court documents can be found on PACER.  The defendant’s case number is 20-cr-29. 

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.            

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.