James Charleston Jr., a 36-year-old resident of Evansville, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. This sentence comes after Charleston pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Court documents reveal that on August 3, 2024, officers from the Evansville Police Department responded to reports of a man brandishing a silver gun and pointing it at people on Garvin Street in Evansville. The individual was also reportedly shouting and using profanity.
Upon their arrival, officers encountered James Charleston and instructed him to get on the ground. He refused to comply and repeatedly told the officers to shoot him, stating, “I’m willing to die right now!” He further added, “You better get me before I get you.”
Charleston was eventually detained and handcuffed. A search revealed he had a loaded silver 9mm pistol with nine rounds in his waistband.
At the time of this incident, Charleston had previous felony convictions for offenses including unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, carrying an unlicensed handgun, domestic battery, strangulation, aggravated robbery, identity thefts, thefts, and failure to return to lawful detention. These convictions legally prohibit him from possessing firearms.
John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana stated: “Illegally armed, repeat violent criminals are responsible for a disproportionate share of the gun violence suffered in Evansville and all our communities. These offenses will not be tolerated.” He added that those who choose to illegally carry firearms risk severe federal prison sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Evansville Police Department. U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman imposed the sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress expressed gratitude towards Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller for prosecuting this case.
