Yashawnus Leekean Patterson, a 45-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison after being found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The conviction followed a federal jury trial held in June 2025.
According to evidence presented during the trial, two officers from the Columbia Police Department responded to a hotel in downtown Columbia to assist with removing Patterson, who was no longer authorized to stay at the property. After being asked to place him on trespass notice, officers discovered that Patterson was wanted on a bench warrant issued by the Cayce Police Department and proceeded to arrest him. During a search, law enforcement found a loaded 9mm pistol in his waistband, an extended magazine holding 30 rounds in his backpack, and a total of 74 rounds of 9mm ammunition among his belongings. Patterson admitted to officers that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his status as a convicted felon.
Patterson's criminal history includes felony convictions dating back to 1998. His prior offenses include criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the second degree, strong-arm robbery, and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Patterson to 96 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting local organizations that work on violence prevention, focusing enforcement efforts strategically, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major prosecuted the case.
