LAS VEGAS, Nev.– A North Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for possession of a stolen firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden for the District of Nevada.
“The defendant threatened and pointed a stolen firearm at another person,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “He received the statutory maximum penalty for this crime. We will continue to work with all our Las Vegas law enforcement partners to ensure community members are protected and that justice is served in all matters.”
Vandemere Gipson, 39, pleaded guilty on Nov. 7, 2016, to the criminal charge and was indicted on Nov. 19, 2014. United States District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to the plea agreement, on Oct. 13, 2014, at Gipson’s request, he and two women drove to a Quick Check Mart, AM/PM convenience store, and other locations. The driver told Gipson that she was not a taxi service. At that time, Gipson reached under his left leg, pulled out a Smith and Wesson 9-mm handgun that he had been sitting on, racked the firearm, which loaded a live round into the chamber of the firearm, pointed the firearm at the driver and yelled, “Bitch, I will take your last breath! I will kill your ass!” The other woman exited the car and Gipson followed her outside. At this time, the driver noticed that Gipson left the firearm on the seat, so she drove away and secured the firearm. On Oct. 24, 2014, Gipson was arrested by the North Las Vegas Police Department. He admitted to owning and possessing the stolen firearm.
The case was investigated by North Las Vegas Police Department; and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Michael and Phillip Smith Jr.
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