A man from Silvis, Illinois, Quivadas Quadell-Lee Gaines, has been sentenced to 115 months in federal prison for firearm and ammunition possession as a felon. This decision was made following the discovery of a loaded pistol and at least 40 rounds of ammunition in his possession.
In July 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Gaines' vehicle and residence. During the search, officers found the loaded pistol along with Gaines’ driver's license and social security card in the vehicle. At his residence, they seized the ammunition. As a convicted felon, Gaines is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Gaines' previous conviction occurred in 2019 when he was found guilty of second-degree theft by the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County.
Upon completing his prison sentence, Gaines will serve an additional three-year term of supervised release. The federal system does not offer parole options.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. The Bettendorf Police Department conducted the investigation leading to this sentencing.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, PSN's strategy was enhanced to include fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.