Convicted Felon Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing Ammunition

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon was sentenced today for illegally possessing ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Deandrea Darnelle Young to 63 months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Young was convicted of this charge at trial in July.

“We will continue to use every resource available to remove ammunition and firearms from prohibited persons.” U.S. Attorney Escalona said.  “Partnerships with our federal, state, and local law enforcement are an integral part of our efforts to fight violent crime and keep our communities safe.” 

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the men and women of ATF and the Tuscaloosa Police Department for their efforts to confront violent crime,” Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ash Lightner said.  “We will continue to work together tirelessly to keep our communities safe from people who endanger our neighborhoods.”

According to evidence presented at trial, on February 27, 2022, a Tuscaloosa Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on Young.  Upon making contact with Young, the officer asked for his driver’s license and insurance.  Young ignored the officer’s repeated requests for information and fled from the scene in the vehicle. The officer chased Young and found the vehicle abandoned in an apartment complex. During the search of the vehicle the officer found 10 rounds of Igman 9mm ammunition underneath clothing belonging to Young. The officer did not find a firearm.

Young is prohibited from having ammunition because of multiple prior felony convictions.  Young was convicted on January 10, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  On August 15, 2012, he was convicted in the Circuit Court of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and of two counts of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, First Degree. On November 9, 2011, Young was convicted in the Circuit Court of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, of Burglary, First Degree and of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana First Degree.

 The ATF investigated the case along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney L. Plyler and Catherine Crosby prosecuted the case.