Illinois Felon Sentenced To Six Years And Six Months In Federal Prison For Illegal Gun Possession

Huntington, W.Va. – A Illinois felon who illegally possessed four firearms in February of 2013 was sentenced today to six years and six months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced.  Thomas Ray III, 44, of Will County, Illinois, previously pleaded guilty in December 2013 to possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense. 

On February 5, 2013, the United States Marshal Service C.U.F.F.E.D. Task Force in Huntington was contacted by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in Illinois to assist in locating Ray.  Ray was wanted by the State of Illinois for a parole violation.  Deputy Marshals found Ray at a residence in the 2100 block of 9th Avenue in Huntington.  As Ray was approached, he fled and was apprehended a short time later.  Deputy Marshals found Ray with a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol concealed in the back of his waistband.

Deputy Marshals also conducted a search of the 9th Avenue residence and discovered three additional firearms:  a loaded Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, an AR-15 5.56mm assault rifle along with a 30 round magazine, and a GSG-5 .22 caliber rifle, also with a 30 round magazine.  Ray admitted to possessing all the firearms seized.

Ray was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on prior felony convictions for Forcible Armed Detention and Giving a False Bomb/Gas Alarm.

The United States Marshal Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.