Three-Time Convicted Felon sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison For Gun Possession

MARCUS LAMAR HARDY, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Beverly B. Martin to serve 15 years in federal prison on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Acting United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Felons who possess firearms pose a grave danger to our community. This defendant, who had three previous felony convictions, showed his complete and continuing disregard for the law by possessing a loaded handgun. The law rightly demands that he face the consequences and return to prison.”

“We want people to know about Marcus Hardy,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Gant of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Atlanta. “After leading a felonious life of drugs and violence, he remained on our streets. Yet, his gun proved to be his Achilles’ heel. Armed felons should be aware that cooperation among ATF, street cops and our prosecutors is at an all-time high. Mr. Hardy learned that today.”

According to Acting United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: On August 11, 2006, HARDY, a three-time convicted felon, was approached by officers while in a parking lot at 2980 Donald Lee Hollowell Drive in Atlanta, Georgia. As officers approached HARDY, they observed that he reached into his waistband and deposited an item onto the driver’s seat of his vehicle, closed the door of the vehicle and attempted to walk away. The officers intercepted HARDY, held him, and observed a Glock .45 caliber loaded handgun lying on the drivers seat of the vehicle. Law enforcement authorities found that the weapon was stolen from another vehicle. HARDY’s record showed had several felony convictions, including cocaine trafficking and robbery, and therefore was prohibited from possession of a weapon or ammunition. HARDY was arrested.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Gabay-Smith prosecuted the case.

For further information please contact Sally Q. Yates, Acting United States Attorney, or Charysse L. Alexander, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan