Jackson, Miss. - Arthur L. Flowers, 35, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Daniel P. Jordan III to fifteen months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On Sept. 11, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department were dispatched to the McDowell Road and I-55 underpass in Jackson on a shooting complaint. They found Arthur Flowers laying on his back stating that he had been shot. Upon questioning, Flowers admitted to accidentally shooting himself in the leg while trying to holster a pistol. Flowers was transported to UMMC for treatment of the gunshot wound.
Because Flowers has grand larceny convictions in Copiah County in 2004 and Hinds County in 2005, it is illegal for him to possess a firearm. He pleaded guilty before Judge Jordan on November 8, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
