Arthur Thompson, 40, of Philadelphia, was convicted on March 31 of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, according to an announcement from United States Attorney David Metcalf.
The conviction is significant because it underscores law enforcement efforts to address gun violence involving individuals who are not legally allowed to possess firearms due to prior felony convictions.
According to court filings presented at trial, two Philadelphia police officers observed Thompson commit a traffic violation on December 20, 2022. When the officers attempted a traffic stop, Thompson exited his vehicle, discarded a loaded firearm, and fled. He was apprehended after a brief chase and initially charged with firearms violations at the local level.
Thompson was later federally indicted in January last year and then charged again through a superseding indictment in December. Authorities noted that he had previously been convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year in prison, making it illegal for him to possess any firearm or ammunition.
Sentencing for Thompson is scheduled for July 8. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if given the maximum penalty. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Gun Violence Task Force; and the Philadelphia Police Department. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert and Special Assistant United States Attorney Tracie J. Gaydos.
