Latreavias Burns, a 28-year-old resident of Nashville, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a criminal complaint announced by Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
"We will not permit those who have committed violent crimes to carry firearms, especially when they are on release in our community," stated McGuire. He highlighted the role of the Operation Bond Watch program in preventing violent felons from carrying guns and ensuring accountability.
On April 17, 2025, detectives from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department were conducting surveillance using MDHA cameras around South 6th Street and Summer Place. They identified Burns, who had outstanding state warrants. When detectives attempted to approach him, Burns fled but was apprehended. During his arrest, a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol and a digital scale with marijuana residue were found on him.
Burns has previous felony convictions in Davidson County, including Attempted Second Degree Murder and Assault Resulting in Death and Accessory After the Fact. The Tennessee Department of Corrections indicated that Burns had absconded from his community corrections program before this incident.
If convicted, Burns could face up to 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens prosecuting the case.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust in communities and supporting strategic enforcement priorities. The Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021.
A complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.