Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Gang Member with Prior Felony Conviction Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm That He Sold
LOS ANGELES – A convicted felon and member of the 92nd Street Hoover Crips gang has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm – a .22-caliber revolver that he sold.
James "Walter" Hayward, 33, of South Los Angeles, was sentenced by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald Monday afternoon after pleading guilty to the offense in February.
Hayward had been convicted of five felony charges in state court prior to being charged in the federal case.
When he pleaded guilty, Hayward admitted that he sold the revolver in exchange for at least $175.
"Illicit firearms trafficking poses a great danger to the community," said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. "This defendant’s conduct could have put innocent lives at risk."
After he concludes his prison sentence, Hayward will serve three years of supervised release.
This case was part of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric Harden said, "ATF works proactively to keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons in an effort to make our communities a safer place to live."
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