Convicted Felon With Firearm Who Fled from Police Receives Seven Year Sentence
Memphis, TN –Patrick Vaughn, 35, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 4, 2019, detectives with Memphis Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) were conducting surveillance for a suspect in a carjacking that occurred on December 21, 2018 at the Gold Club in Memphis, Tennessee. Detectives were in the area of Poplar Ave and Hollywood Street, when they observed Vaughn, driving a 2006 Kia Amanti. In an attempt to avoid the traffic stop, Vaughn began making several U-turns at a high rate of speed, ultimately striking several vehicles. He was apprehended after a short foot chase.
A search of the vehicle revealed a Ruger .380 pistol on the passenger's side floorboard. The front seat passenger advised law enforcement that the firearm did not belong to her. Vaughn waived his Miranda rights and admitted to possessing the firearm.
Vaughn is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Identity Theft, and Carjacking. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Vaughn is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On January 13, 2021, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Vaughn to 84 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "As a fleeing felon in possession of a firearm, Vaughn presented a danger to the public and to law enforcement in multiple ways. The seven year sentence imposed in this case rightly punishes him for his recidivist behavior, removes him from the community, and makes Memphis a safer place."
The Memphis Police Department - Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to prosecute violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
###
