MEMPHIS MAN CHARGED WITH FIREARMS OFFENSE

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -  On September 18, 2024, a federal grand jury in Knoxville, TN, returned a one-count indictment against Antonio Fontaine, 47, of Memphis, TN.  According to the indictment, the defendant is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), stemming from offense conduct on September 11, 2024.

Fontaine had his initial appearance on September 26, 2024, before the Honorable Jill E. McCook, United States Magistrate Judge, and entered a plea of not guilty.  This case has been set for trial on January 14, 2025, before the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge, in the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.

If convicted, Fontaine faces a prison term of up to 15 years and other penalties.                     

U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.

This indictment is the result of an investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with significant support from the Knoxville Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gilmore will represent the United States.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.                                                                

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