JONATHAN WHIPPLE, age 33, a resident of Luling, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
WHIPPLE was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on Nov. 3, 2017 in a one count indictment for possessing a Smith & Wesson, Model 22LR semi-automatic rifle after having been convicted of two different felony drug offenses. WHIPPLE faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. The sentencing is set for Aug. 21, 2018.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime-reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U. S. Attorney Duane Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
