Felon found guilty of having AR-15 rifle in vehicle
Emily EnfingerA Texas man with prior felony convictions was found guilty on Tuesday for being in possession of an AR-15 rifle in his vehicle while in Greenwood, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced on Wednesday.
Deandray Charles Grant, 29, of Carrollton, Texas, was convicted after a on-day jury trial.
He faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Jan. 6, 2020.
On Nov. 23, 2018, Grant was pulled over by Greenwood police after traveling 90 miles per hour in a 70 miles per hour speed zone.
"After the vehicle stopped, the officer approached Grant and asked for his identification. Grant told the officer that he was a 'sovereign citizen' with 'sovereign status' and did not have to comply with his request," read a news release.
"Eventually, Grant exited the vehicle and was arrested."
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Grant reportedly did not have any identification but had a small amount of marijuana in his front pocket.
Officers searched his vehicle and found a DPMS Panther Arms AR-15 rifle and 28 rounds of .556-caliber ammunition.
“Everybody must obey the law, even sovereign citizens,” Joseph said in the news release.
“Felons that carry firearms in this district pose a danger to our communities and will be federally prosecuted."
Grant was previously convicted in August 2013 of possession with the intent to distribute drugs. He was convicted again in April 2014 for simple burglary, and then the following month for possession of marijuana. All of these convictions were made in Caddo Parish.
Per federal law, a convicted felon is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition, the news release read.
The case was investigated by ATF, Greenwood Police Department and Shreveport Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Jessica Cassidy prosecuted the case.
"I want to thank the officers who handled this situation professionally and the other law enforcement agents that investigated this case. I also want to thank the prosecutors from my office for their hard work obtaining a successful verdict," Joseph said.
Emily Enfinger is the breaking news reporter for The Shreveport Times, covering crime and court. Follow her on Twitter at @EmilyEnfinger.
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