A Mendenhall man has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Koda Tye Williamson, aged 40, was found with a firearm by the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department during a search of his home. The search was conducted under suspicion of narcotics distribution and illegal firearms possession.
Williamson, who has prior felony convictions for manslaughter and methamphetamine possession, pled guilty on July 30, 2024. He will serve his sentence without the possibility of parole due to federal regulations that do not allow parole.
The announcement of the sentencing was made by U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation into Williamson's activities was carried out by both the ATF and the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case. This legal action is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The program focuses on building trust within communities, supporting preventive measures against violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.