Jackson Man Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a Gun

Jackson, Miss. – Jeffery Allen York, 50, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for illegally possessing a gun, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal Mark Shepard.  York was also sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine.

On May 21, 2019, U.S. Marshals Service task force agents arrested York at an address in Jackson on an outstanding warrant.  During the arrest, a firearm was found in York’s possession. York has a 2017 felony conviction in Hinds County for possession of methamphetamine.  As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

York was charged in a criminal indictment on July 24, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Wingate on January 9, 2020.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.