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Press Release

Petal Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Mississippi

Gulfport, Miss. – Christopher Columbus Kennedy, 43, of Petal, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 66 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Kennedy was also ordered to pay a $4,000.00 fine.

On October 1, 2018, a narcotics officer with Gulfport Police Department stopped Kennedy’s car for a traffic violation.  Upon approaching the car, the officer smelled marijuana.  The officer searched Kennedy’s car and located a handgun with seven rounds of ammunition near the driver’s seat along with marijuana.  Kennedy is prohibited from possessing any weapons due to a previous conviction in the Southern District of Mississippi for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Kennedy was indicted on October 23, 2018, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  He pled guilty on November 16, 2018.

The case was investigated by the Gulfport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.

Updated February 12, 2019

Topic
Firearms Offenses