Columbia Man Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison Following Gun Crime Conviction

Columbia Man Faces More Time Behind Bars After Gun Crime Conviction

In the bustling city of Columbia, a recent incident involving a man on supervised release has drawn the attention of local law enforcement and the community. Daisean Montez Skeeters, age 30, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, leading to potential serious consequences for his future.

What Happened?

According to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Skeeters was already under federal supervision for a previous firearms conviction when two firearms were discovered in his home during a police response to a domestic violence call on July 17. Officers arrived at his residence and were informed about the possible presence of firearms in the house. Given Skeeters’ prior conviction, officers reached out to his U.S. Probation Officer, who was also aware of the allegations of weapons in the home.

Searching for Answers

With the situation escalating, ATF agents obtained a search warrant which led them to uncover a total of two guns, one of which was loaded with a staggering 16 rounds of ammunition. It gets even more serious: the agents later secured a second search warrant to collect Skeeters’ DNA, which, when tested, showed an extremely high likelihood that his genetic material was present on one of those firearms. This revelation left little doubt regarding his possession of the gun.

Legal Consequences in Sight

Skeeters entered a guilty plea regarding the firearm possession, but this situation is complicated by his ongoing supervised release from a prior conviction for the same crime. This previous sentence adds an extra layer of legal trouble since violating the terms of supervised release can lead to additional penalties. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicated that Skeeters is potentially looking at a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison along with a hefty financial fine of $250,000. Furthermore, if he does serve time, he would be monitored for an additional three years following his release.

More Than Just a Gun Charge

Aside from his federal troubles, Skeeters is also facing a charge for second-degree domestic violence in a South Carolina court. Court records show that he posted a $75,000 bond on this charge on August 1, indicating that he is attempting to deal with multiple layers of legal issues simultaneously.

A Broader Context

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has revealed that Skeeters has a troubling history, including leading a street gang that heavily impacted local communities through gun violence, drug distribution, and fraud schemes. Although the specifics surrounding the gang’s name and primary operation weren’t disclosed, the implications of such activities are alarming for community safety.

Next Steps for Skeeters

As these events unfold, U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis is set to review a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office before making her ruling on Skeeters’ next steps. The case has been a collaborative effort involving the ATF, Columbia police, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which provided forensic assistance along the way.

Final Thoughts

As we follow this unfolding story, the community remains on edge, concerned about the implications of such behavior and its impact on local safety. Skeeters awaits the outcome of his sentencing, and meanwhile, the judicial process takes its course. It’s a stark reminder of the consequences that stem from choices surrounding gun possession and previous criminal activities.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops, and let’s hope for a resolution that brings justice and safety back to the community.