Smithfield Man Sentenced For Felon In Possession Of A Firearm

GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced DONTRELL KHALI MCDONALD, 24, of Smithfield, North Carolina to 30  months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

MCDONALD was named in an Indictment filed on January 5, 2016 charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On March 7, 2016, MCDONALD pled guilty to that charge. 

On October 31, 2015, officers with the Smithfield Police Department, responded to a call of an individual walking the streets waving two firearms.  When officers approached the area, MCDONALD began running through a housing complex in an attempt to elude arrest.  The chase ensued, and MCDONALD ran into a crowded flea market.  A bystander, who had observed the chase, tripped MCDONALD, who fell to the ground.  As MCDONALD hit the pavement, a firearm flew from his waistband.  Officers also seized another firearm from MCDONALD.  

Law enforcement seized a Bersa .380 firearm and a Lorcin .380 firearm, which was later determined to be stolen.  Both firearms were loaded with one bullet in the chamber and two additional rounds in a magazine.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Smithfield Police Department, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette represented the government.