Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Fairfield man was sentenced today for being for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Special Agent in Charge Mickey French.

United States District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Darrick Ansal Dunlap, 43, to 75 months in prison followed by three years’ supervised release. Dunlap pleaded guilty in February to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“Too often, domestic violence ends in tragedy for both the family and the neighborhood. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that criminals who use firearms to commit acts of domestic violence will be held accountable,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said.  “Through Operation Safe Families, my office is focused on keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.”

“ATF’s priority of enforcing federal firearms laws in domestic violence situations is clearly evident with this sentencing,” said SAC French.

According to the plea agreement, on March 30, 2020, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a shooting call at a residence in Fairfield, Alabama.  Dunlap and one of the victims got into an argument at the residence regarding her contribution to family expenses.  During the argument, Dunlap made a threat to kill the individual and then retrieved a Glock 9-millimeter pistol, which he shot toward the floor.  The bullet ricocheted up, hitting both victims.  Dunlap claimed that the “gun just went off.” One victim suffered from a gunshot wound to her right knee, and the other victim suffered from a gunshot wound to her left wrist.  The gun was identified as stolen in Birmingham during the prior year.

ATF investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty prosecuted the case.

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