Shreveport man pleads guilty to possessing a rifle after being convicted of a felony

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony.

Daranski M. Wynder, 33, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Shreveport police responded to calls on January 6, 2015 reporting that there was a man standing outside his residence with a rifle. Wynder was found at this residence with rifle bullets in his pocket.  Police also found a 7.62 by 39 mm rifle and ammunition in his residence. Wynder was convicted in the 26^th Judicial District Court in Webster Parish for monetary instrument abuse in 2011. He was also convicted in First Judicial District Court in Caddo Parish for attempted felon in possession of a firearm in 2005 and for simple burglary in 2001.

Wynder faces up to 10 years in prison, one to three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and forfeiture of the rifle and ammunition. A sentencing date of December 3, 2015 was set.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce firearm crimes by removing dangerous and persistent felons from the community and promote firearm safety.

The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr is prosecuting the case.