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United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia G.F. Peterman, III announced Mario Senior, age 37, of Columbus, Georgia was sentenced December 12, 2016 to 235 months imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia. Mr. Senior pled guilty on August 4, 2016 to Count One of the indictment.

On May 17, 2015, an officer with the Columbus Police Department initiated a stop for a traffic violation. When the vehicle came to a stop, the passenger jumped out of the car and began running. The officer caught up with the passenger, later identified as Mr. Senior, and a physical struggle took place. A large black item that seemed to be a pistol in Mr. Senior's hand was noticed by the officer. The pistol was found in a neighbor's yard that Mr. Senior had run through along with eleven bags containing 4.8 grams of methamphetamine. After Mr. Senior was taken into custody, he admitted he was a felon and knew he could not possess a firearm.

“Drug dealing is the most prolific crime seen by this office, but the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon while doing so greatly increases our concern,” United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III said. “With the recent proliferation of violence involving firearms against officers and citizens, anyone possessing a firearm while committing a federal offense can expect prosecution of all available firearms violations and increased sentences for doing so.”

“Today's sentence is another reminder that ATF and our law enforcement partners will hold individuals accountable for any criminal behavior, especially that which threatens the safety of innocent civilians,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt.

The investigative agency in this case was the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney's Office, at (478) 621-2603.