Terry Leslie Washington, a 46-year-old resident of West Columbia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. The sentence follows his guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation began when a Columbia Police Officer stopped Washington's vehicle due to the absence of a tag light. Washington, who was alone in the car, admitted to not having a valid driver’s license and informed the officer about possessing a gun and marijuana. A subsequent inventory search revealed a loaded 9mm pistol, three plastic pouches of marijuana, and psilocybin mushrooms. Consequently, Washington was arrested.
Washington's prior convictions include strong-armed robbery and various armed robbery charges, which legally barred him from firearm possession.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon imposed the 180-month imprisonment sentence on Washington. Following his release, he will be under court-ordered supervision for five years. The federal system does not allow parole.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust within communities and supporting preventive community-based organizations. On May 26, 2021, the department enhanced its violent crime reduction strategy under PSN with focused enforcement priorities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Columbia Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is handling prosecution duties for this case.
