SKAGIT COUNTY FELON SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION
DAVID EUGENE THOMPSON, SR., 53, of Hamilton, Skagit County, Washington, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. THOMPSON was convicted by a jury July 7, 2009. Following the announcement of the jury verdict, THOMPSON shouted abuse at the jurors, the judge and attorneys. Because THOMPSON is wheelchair bound and has health issues U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman did not order THOMPSON into custody immediately following his conviction
(Media-Newswire.com) - DAVID EUGENE THOMPSON, SR., 53, of Hamilton, Skagit County, Washington, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. THOMPSON was convicted by a jury July 7, 2009. Following the announcement of the jury verdict, THOMPSON shouted abuse at the jurors, the judge and attorneys. Because THOMPSON is wheelchair bound and has health issues U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman did not order THOMPSON into custody immediately following his conviction. Instead she asked that the presentence report be expedited, with sentencing scheduled as soon as possible. Judge Pechman wanted to insure the Bureau of Prisons would have time to determine the best placement for an inmate with THOMPSON’s health problems. At sentencing Judge Pechman said “People who don’t exercise good judgment in possession of firearms terrify the community.” For that reason, she added, THOMPSON needs to be removed from the community and confined where he can receive the proper medical and psychological treatment.
According to testimony at trial and records in the case, on August 23, 2007, the Skagit County Sheriff's Office High Risk Team executed a search warrant at THOMPSON’s house in rural Skagit County. They seized eight firearms, including one that was in a holster in THOMPSON’s wheelchair. The eight guns were two SKS assault type rifles, a Winchester .243 caliber semiautomatic rifle, a Colt Woodsman .22 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Davis Industries .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger Blackhawk .357 caliber revolver, a Browning .32 caliber semiautomatic pistol and a Reck .22 caliber revolver. THOMPSON was prohibited from possessing any firearms due to a 1998 felony conviction for assaulting a police officer and a 2004 conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm.
Asking the court to sentence THOMPSON to 46 months in prison, Assistant United States Attorney William H. Redkey, Jr. noted “The defendant’s criminal history reflects a disturbing pattern of violence, including domestic violence, which is compounded by his affinity for firearms in spite of his prior felony convictions for illegal possession of a firearm and other convictions for domestic assault, harassment and malicious mischief.... The combination of the defendant’s mental health issues, especially paranoia tendencies, and his predilection for firearms obviously poses a serious danger to the community.”
The case was investigated by the Skagit County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives ( ATF ). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William H. Redkey, Jr.
For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at ( 206 ) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@USDOJ.Gov.
Related Content
Release Date
This story was released on 2009-07-21. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.