Pubdate: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 Source: Providence Journal, The (RI) Copyright: 2004 The Providence Journal Company Contact: http://www.projo.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/352 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) DRUG DEALER CONVICTED ON GUN CHARGE PROVIDENCE -- A convicted drug dealer was found guilty by a federal jury on Dec. 16 on a charge that he illegally bought two handguns from an East Providence gun shop. Lenard Gibson, 28, of 301 Cranston St., was arrested in September after he arranged to have someone else apply for the handguns so he could buy them. Gibson has several drug-trafficking convictions, and he now faces a minimum 15-year prison sentence as an armed career criminal. The jury reached a verdict after two and a half hours of deliberation and a two-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi. During the trial, assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose presented evidence that Gibson went to E.P. Firearms Inc., in East Providence in September and placed a deposit on a pistol. He told the store owner that he couldn't legally buy the gun himself, but he would have someone else fill out the application for him, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was notified and monitored the rest of the transaction. Gibson went to the store the next day with someone who filled out applications for a Glock .45 caliber pistol and a Bryco .380 caliber pistol. When the seven-day waiting period was over on Sept. 16, the other person wasn't available, so Gibson went to the store to pick up the guns. He was arrested by ATF agents when he left the store with the guns. Usually, the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. However, because of Gibson's convictions, prosecutors recommend that he be sentenced as an armed career criminal, which carries a 15-year minimum sentence. Sentencing guidelines are based on such factors as the nature of an offense and a defendant's criminal background. Gibson has been held at the Wyatt Federal Detention Center in Central Falls since his arrest. He will be sentenced on April 1. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl