Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm Charge

DAVENPORT, IOWA – A Davenport man, Willie James Powell, Jr., age 22, was sentenced today by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 57 months in prison for the offense of Felon in Possession of Firearms. Powell was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation began on September 2, 2020, when Davenport Police responded to a report of suspicious and threatening activity in the area of West 8th Street. Shortly after, officers located a vehicle associated with the activity and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle fled from officers along many residential streets, exceeded 80 miles per hour, and eventually crashed. Powell, Jr. was the front seat passenger of the vehicle, which was discovered to have been stolen. A search of the vehicle produced two firearms—a Glock nine-millimeter pistol and a H&K nine-millimeter pistol. On April 19, 2021, Powell, Jr. pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing both the firearms. As a convicted felon, Powell, Jr. knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.