Violent Repeat Felon Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

INDIANAPOLIS- Dontell Anderson, 37, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, on July 29, 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers executed a search warrant at Dontell Anderson's northeast Indianapolis residence. During a search of the home, officers found methamphetamine, pills, synthetic marijuana, and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.

Anderson is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his previous felony convictions, including battery resulting in injury, dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug, possession of methamphetamine, and a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Anderson was still under court supervision following his release from federal prison when he was again arrested for illegal gun possession.

"Illegally armed, repeat felons drive the gun violence plaguing our state," said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "I commend the response by IMPD and the work of ATF to protect the public from this dangerous criminal. The sentence imposed by the court demonstrates that those who illegally possess firearms risk serious federal time. Returning to prison isn't worth it-put down the guns, or we will hold you accountable."

ATF and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Anderson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Patrick G. Gibson, who prosecuted this case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.