Felon in Possession of Firearms Sentenced to Federal Prison

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced CHRISTOPHER CARTER a/k/a Christopher James Carter, age 28, of Baton Rouge, to 60 months in federal prison following his conviction for two counts of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). 

           On June 12, 2017, at approximately 10:35 p.m., Baton Rouge Police Department (“BRPD”) officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Tecumseh Street, in the Middle District of Louisiana, relative to multiple shots being fired. A BRPD officer observed an individual, later identified as CARTER, exit the front passenger side of a vehicle and go inside of a residence.  After a search of the vehicle, a Glock, model 26, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, and  two  extended  magazines,  containing  28  rounds  of  9mm  ammunition,  were  found lying underneath the front passenger seat of the vehicle where the defendant had just been observed sitting.  CARTER admits that he knowingly possessed the gun that evening.

On July 5, 2017, BRPD stopped a car occupied by CARTER for a traffic violation. A BRPD officer observed the defendant shove a handgun into the back seat pocket of the driver’s seat of the vehicle. BRPD officers removed CARTER from the vehicle, advised him of his Miranda rights, which the defendant acknowledged, and asked him about the gun. CARTER admitted that the gun was his and that he was a convicted felon. The firearm was a Canik, model TP-9SA, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition.

Judge Jackson noted on the record that CARTER had five prior convictions, three of which involved firearms, and two other arrests which were uncharged that also involved firearms.

Both weapons were surrendered by CARTER pursuant to his plea of guilty.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “As long as unrepentant violent felons choose to illegally possess guns we will be there to enforce the law.  This conviction and sentence is yet another example of how strong partnerships with the Baton Rouge Police Department and the ATF can produce results.  I am proud of the continuing efforts of our state and local partners and look forward to many similar successful prosecutions.”

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “Law enforcement partners will continue to work together towards the safety of our communities by focusing our efforts on armed violent felons.  I am proud of the support we are receiving from our community. We will continue to remove the criminal element from our city and parish by presenting relevant investigative work to our Middle District of Louisiana US Attorney’s Office for prosecution. 

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Baton Rouge Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth White.