U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, announced the sentencing of Lamon Tirell Turner, a 47-year-old resident of Benton Harbor, to 100 months in federal prison. Turner was convicted for illegal firearm possession following a jury trial. His criminal history includes multiple violent offenses such as assault, unarmed robbery, domestic violence, and assault on a police officer.
"Gun violence inflicts tremendous harm on our communities," stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "My office is committed to stopping the proliferation of illegal guns flooding our communities. We will use all our tools and partnerships to hold offenders driving gun violence accountable and keep our communities safe."
The investigation involved executing a search warrant at an apartment where Turner resided. Law enforcement officers discovered a firearm hidden beneath a couch near where Turner was sleeping, with his wallet located nearby. DNA analysis confirmed Turner's DNA on the weapon.
The firearm was identified as the last of 123 firearms stolen during a robbery at Dunham's sporting goods store in Benton Harbor on November 16, 2023. The recovery marks the successful location of all firearms taken during that incident.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis Sanford and Constance Turnbull represented the United States during the trial.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which unites federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement with community partners to devise effective strategies for reducing violent crime.