January 12, 2023
Contact: SA Crystal Harper
Phone Number: (571) 362-3433
For Immediate Release

Federal Jury Finds Cherokee, N.C. Man Guilty of Firearms Offense

Semi-automatic pistol and ammunition seized by Group T-23 on 12/19/22
T23 semi-automatic pistol seized 12_19_22.jpg

Semi-automatic pistol and ammunition seized by Group T-23 on 12/19/22

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A federal jury in Asheville has convicted Tarrell Leshaun Williams, 42, of Cherokee, N.C., of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Asheville Post of Duty, Jerin Falcon, Deputy Associate Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Division of Drug Enforcement, and Chief David Zack of the Asheville Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

According to filed court documents, trial evidence and witness testimony, on February 11, 2022, law enforcement officers attempting to serve Williams with a federal arrest warrant located the defendant at an apartment complex in Asheville. According to trial evidence, prior to effectuating the arrest warrant, law enforcement observed Williams placing an item – later identified as a Taurus 9mm firearm – in the trunk of his vehicle. Williams was arrested shortly thereafter. Williams has prior felony criminal convictions and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Williams remains in federal custody. A sentencing date has not been set.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the DEA’s Asheville Post of Duty, the BIA, and the Asheville Police Department for their investigation of the case and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives for their substantial assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Pritchard and Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuting the case.

The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov . Also follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv.

 

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