Orlando L. Peterson, a 34-year-old man from Spokane, Washington, has been sentenced to 25 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke and includes three years of supervised release following the prison term.
The case stems from an incident on September 6, 2022, when Peterson was involved in an altercation with his ex-girlfriend at his home. During the altercation, he pushed her down stairs and took a 9mm handgun from her purse. Later, he confronted her again while holding the weapon.
When contacted by Spokane Police, Peterson was found in a car with another woman who handed over an extended pistol magazine she said Peterson had asked her to hide. A search warrant executed at Peterson's residence led to the discovery of the handgun and multiple rounds of ammunition.
Peterson's possession of firearms and ammunition was prohibited due to his previous convictions for misdemeanor crimes related to domestic violence. The case is part of efforts by U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref’s office under the Safe Homes, Safe Community Initiative aimed at preventing domestic violence homicides and restricting access to firearms for individuals previously convicted of such offenses.
"Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of domestic violence and fear of gun violence," stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. She emphasized that enforcement efforts focus on repeat offenders like Peterson who have histories of domestic violence and are prohibited from accessing firearms.
Jonathan Blais, ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge, remarked on the danger posed by firearms in the hands of convicted domestic abusers: "This sentence is well justified and ensures that Mr. Peterson is safely away from our community for the imposed time period."
The investigation into this case was conducted by the ATF and Spokane Police Department, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael L. Vander Giessen and Michael J. Ellis.