Federal Jury Convicts Armed Career Criminal for Illegal Possession of a Firearm
Birmingham, Ala. – A federal jury today convicted a Birmingham man of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Special Agent in Charge Toby Taylor.
The jury returned its guilty verdict against Terran Marteze Gilbert, 28, after two days of testimony before U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke.
“Felons who possess a firearm pose a threat to the safety and security of our community,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We are committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to find these criminals and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. We especially want to thank the jurors for their time and service.” Acting ATF Special Agent in Charge, Toby Taylor stated, “ATF is committed to enhancing a positive community environment combined with directed enforcement of the federal firearms laws as part of the Project Guardian initiative to reduce gun related crimes.”
Evidence at trial proved that on April 3, 2019, members of the United States Marshals Service-Gulf Coast Regional Task Force (GCRTF) went to Gilbert’s residence to execute an active felony warrant. Upon contact with Gilbert, GCRTF conducted a protective sweep of the residence and located a Colt .38 caliber revolver in plain view inside an open closet in the hallway area of the living room. Gilbert has prior felony convictions for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, First Degree, Robbery, Third Degree, and Assault, First Degree.
Gilbert qualifies as an armed career criminal and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Royster and Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
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