DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Tennessee

For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 24, 2014
William C. Killian
, United States Attorney
Contact: Sharry Dedman-Beard, Public Information Officer

Darien Houston Sentenced as Armed Career Criminal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - On Apr. 24, 2014, Darien Houston, 43, of Chattanooga, Tenn., was sentenced as an armed career criminal to serve 15 years in prison, by U.S. District Court Judge Curtis L. Collier.  Houston's criminal history includes 23 felony convictions which include second degree burglary, possession of cocaine for resale, possession of marijuana for resale, felony escape, forgery, theft of property and concealing stolen property, among others.  Houston is an admitted member of the Vice Lords street gang.

In January 2014, Houston pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The federal case arose after the Chattanooga Police Department served a search warrant on Houston’s residence in May 2012. The search of the residence revealed a Smith & Wesson .38 Special caliber revolver.  Houston initially denied having any knowledge of the revolver, but later consented to an interview.  He waived his Miranda rights and admitted to knowing the revolver was in the apartment and handling it.

U.S. Attorney William C. Killian praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation.  “Thanks to their dedication and cooperation, a career criminal will serve a lengthy sentence in federal prison,” said Killian

“The success of this investigation is a result of the collaborative efforts of ATF and our local partners," said  ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fulton. "This investigation is more evidence that ATF's commitment to combating violent crime is unwavering. ATF's Frontline strategy utilizes every available resource to make our communities a safer place to live."

Agencies involved in the investigation which led to the indictment and conviction of Houston included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Chattanooga Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Poole represented the United States.

 

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Nashville Field Division