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Date: 04-05-2024
Case Style:
Case Number: 1:23-cr-00120
Judge: Hala Y. Jarbou
Court: The United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan (Kent County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Grand Rapids
Defendant's Attorney: Takura Nicholas Nyamfukudza 517-885-3305
Description:
Benton Harbor Man Sentenced For Illegal Gun Possession After Shootout At Apartment Complex
Shamonte Demorquez Buchanan, 26, of Benton Harbor, was sentenced to 71 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“The people of Benton Harbor deserve to carry out their lives free from the threat of violence, and the prosecution of Mr. Buchanan is one step closer to achieving that goal,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “The individuals who drive violence in a community – those willing to pull triggers – are almost always only a few. But the fear and devastation they inflict is shattering. There is no acceptable level of violent crime. My team and I will not rest until every person, in every neighborhood, in every community is safe from violent crime.”
Buchanan was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm following a shootout on July 9, 2023, which occurred in a parking lot at the River Terrace Apartments in Benton Harbor. During the shootout, which involved multiple shooters, an apartment across the parking lot was struck five times by gunfire. One bullet entered a bedroom where an occupant was, and there was also a young child in the apartment. During the offense, which was caught on surveillance video, Buchanan was shot and dropped his firearm. Evidence recovered at the scene indicated Buchanan fired 13 rounds and that his firearm had an extended magazine. His possession of the firearm he used in the shooting was a violation of federal law because Buchanan had multiple prior felony convictions and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. Buchanan previously pled guilty on December 18, 2023.
“The Michigan State Police (MSP) is proud to work closely with state and federal partners. The Benton Harbor Major Case Unit (MCU) is diligent in our efforts to hold those responsible for the most violent acts in and around Benton Harbor,” said MSP D/Sgt. Benjamin Mahaffie, supervisor of the MCU. “The MCU is made up of state police detectives, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety detectives, and a member of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Our efforts have shown that when we collaborate on these investigations, we are able to make the city a safer place to be.”
“I am grateful for the unyielding persistence of our office and our local, state and federal partners to rid our streets of illegal firearms, as they inflict pain and suffering in our communities,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI will use all of our investigative resources to combat these serious offenses and ensure the safety of our citizens.”
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement work closely together to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for driving violent crime in our communities in order to make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Individuals with information or concerns about violent crime or firearms offenses should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psn.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Michigan State Police (MSP), Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Benton Township Police Department, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren F. Biksacky prosecuted the case.
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