Repeat Felon Who Possessed Stolen Gun And Drugs Sentenced to Over Nine Years in Federal Prison

WILMINGTON, Del. - David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Wilmington man was sentenced on March 25, 2024, to more than nine years in federal prison for his 2021 possession of a stolen gun in the area of 24^th and Carter Streets in Wilmington. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Jethroe Tickles was arrested by the Wilmington Police Department after police found a stolen gun in his possession during a traffic stop. While searching the car, officers also found approximately one ounce of marijuana, a pill bottle containing 113 Ecstasy pills, 57 Hydrocodone pills, Alprazolam, and other miscellaneous pills. Upon searching Mr. Tickles, officers recovered more than $3,000 in cash. At the sentencing hearing, the government highlighted Mr. Tickles' criminal convictions, which prohibit him from possessing firearms.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, "The combination of guns and drugs fuels the violence in our communities. This sentence reflects the severity of Mr. Tickles' disregard for the rule of law. Our prosecutors will continue to partner with the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives to protect our communities from gun violence and to hold individuals who choose to violate the law accountable."

"The combination of drugs and firearms is one that is destined to end in violence. It is not a matter of if, but when someone will end up hurt or worse," said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. "ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue working every day to identify, investigate, and incarcerate the individuals who threaten violence in our communities."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-cr-0023 (MN).