West Columbia Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Firearm Offense

News Summary

Terry Leslie Washington has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The incident, which began with a routine traffic stop, revealed a loaded gun and illegal substances in Washington’s vehicle. This highlights ongoing concerns regarding firearm possession among convicted felons in the West Columbia area. Additionally, related cases involve other individuals facing serious charges, indicating a troubling trend in the community.

West Columbia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

In the bustling city of West Columbia, a man has found himself in serious trouble after being sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for carrying a firearm as a felon. This sentence, amounting to a lengthy 180 months behind bars, comes as a result of a guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

A Routine Traffic Stop Turns Serious

The whole incident kicked off when a Columbia Police Officer conducted a traffic stop. The driver, Terry Leslie Washington, was pulled over for not having a functioning tag light. When asked for identification, Washington realized he was in a tough spot without a valid driver’s license. To make matters worse, the officer discovered that Washington was not just driving without a license, but also had a loaded gun and marijuana stashed in his vehicle.

What’s Inside the Vehicle?

A subsequent search of Washington’s vehicle unveiled a loaded 9mm pistol, along with three plastic pouches containing marijuana and even some psilocybin mushrooms. Given his past legal issues, which include convictions for strong-armed robbery, armed robbery, and attempted armed robbery, it’s no surprise that Washington was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Another Case on the Rise

In related news, another man, Brandon Chanell Joyner, aged 28, has also been indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This indictment springs from a shooting incident that occurred on July 18, 2023, near Stoneridge Drive and Greystone Boulevard. Joyner’s previous felony convictions have once again put him squarely in the crosshairs of the law, barring him from legally owning a firearm. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a hefty fine of up to $250,000.

A Specific Incident Involving Domestic Violence

Switching gears, there’s also the case of Daisean Montez Skeeters, 31, who has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for similar firearm possession charges. At the time of his arrest, Skeeters was already on federal supervised release for a previous firearms conviction. Authorities responded to a domestic violence call at his home and suspected there might be firearms on the premises. When officers obtained a search warrant and combed through his residence, they discovered two firearms, one of which was loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition.

Linking DNA to the Crime

Adding an additional layer to this case, DNA testing confirmed that Skeeters’ DNA was found on one of those firearms. He now faces not only the federal firearms charge but also a second-degree domestic violence charge, adding to the legal troubles already piling up against him. Interestingly, he had posted a $75,000 bond on the domestic violence charge before his sentencing.

The Bigger Picture

It’s worth noting that, with a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison, a possible fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release hanging over his head, Skeeters isn’t just facing the music for one minor misstep. This case is also particularly concerning as he is described as a high-ranking member of a violent street gang known for causing disturbances in the local community.

Investigations by the Authorities

These cases have attracted significant attention from law enforcement agencies, with investigations led by the ATF, Columbia Police, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Prosecution of these serious cases is being carried out by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott Daniels and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sanford. As these situations unfold, the community remains hopeful for a safer environment free from such criminal activities.

Citizens of West Columbia seem eager for the stories’ outcomes as they highlight critical issues surrounding felons and firearm possession, showing that these incidents can have far-reaching consequences.

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Additional Resources

• Columbia Tribune: Police Recover Stolen Guns
• North Central PA: Felon Indicted for Bringing Modified Gun
• ABC Columbia: Man Returns to Federal Prison for Gun Charge
• WACH: Columbia Man Indicted on Gun Charge
• The State: Local Crime News
• Wikipedia: Firearm Legislation in the United States
• Google Search: Gun Violence Statistics
• Google Scholar: Gun Control Laws
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearm
• Google News: Crime and Firearms