Downsville man pleads guilty to possessing firearms and ammunition after being convicted of a felony

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Downsville man pleaded guilty Tuesday to possessing firearms, ammunition and an unregistered silencer after he was previously convicted of a felony.

William David Futch, 44, of Downsville, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm silencer.  The pleas will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. According to the guilty plea, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a complaint on April 11, 2014 that Futch was at his home firing shots.  During this investigation, Futch was found in possession of a .45/.410 revolver, a 12 gauge shotgun, .a 22 caliber rifle with scope, a .22 caliber stainless rifle, a .22 caliber rifle with scope and bipod, a third .22 caliber rifle, a .223 caliber rifle, a 9 mm handgun, a .40 caliber handgun, ammunition, and a firearm silencer.  He was previously convicted of a felony on three separate occasions.

Futch faces 10 years in prison, three years supervised release, forfeiture of the seized weapons and ammunition, and a $250,000 fine for each count. A sentencing date of June 20, 2016 was set.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm and to promote firearm safety.

The ATF and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie is prosecuting the case.