Felons busted for gun possession to be federally prosecuted under new initiative

Published: Thursday, July 14, 2011, 5:19 PM     Updated: Thursday, July 14, 2011, 5:32 PM

By David Harris | Flint Journal The Flint Journal

FLINT, Michigan — More felons who get caught with guns in Genesee County could be looking at doing time in a federal penitentiary.

Federal and local law enforcement officials on Thursday announced a plan to use federal courts to prosecute felons arrested with guns.

Under state law, those charged with felon in possession normally get just probation, said U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade.

Taking those cases federal could result in prison sentences upwards of seven years, she said.

"We want to the criminals to know that they will do serious federal time," McQuade said.

The Genesee County Prosecutor’s office handled 161 felon in possession of gun cases last year and has had 64 so far this year, said Prosecutor David Leyton.

“Because we are faced with such a difficult situation in Flint, we have to do things differently than in the past,” said Leyton. “Today, let the word go forth that we will be getting more criminals off the streets.”

McQuade said she estimates the U.S. Attorney’s office will handle about 100 such cases a year.

In cases where there are additional charges to the felon in possession charge, such as a home invasion, county and federal prosecutors will work together to see which court will give “the biggest bang for the buck,” said Leyton.

Leyton said he will lend some assistant prosecutors to handle federal cases.
There will not be any additional federal prosecutors, just shifted responsibilities, said McQuade.

The initiative is a compliment to what’s already been going on with the increased state police presence and cleared jail space, said Flint Mayor Dayne Walling.

Flint has been riddled with crime, topping the nation in violent crime.

The crux of many of those crimes deal with guns and drugs, said Flint police Chief Alvern Lock.

“You’re hearing how law enforcement is preparing to work together to ensure the penalties are as stiff as possible under state and federal law,” said Walling.

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