Chad Dickerson, a 34-year-old resident of Brighton, Illinois, has been sentenced to three years in prison for possession of firearms as a felon. The sentencing took place on February 6, 2025, and was delivered by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless. Following his imprisonment, Dickerson will also undergo three years of supervised release.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Lawless highlighted that Dickerson had four fully loaded firearms in his possession. Dickerson had entered a guilty plea on September 4, 2024.
The legal penalties for being a felon in possession of a firearm can include up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines reaching $250,000.
The investigation into Dickerson's case was conducted by the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, this strategy emphasizes trust-building within communities and prioritizes strategic enforcement efforts while supporting community-based violence prevention programs.