DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Western District of Kentucky

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Michael A. Bennett
, United States Attorney

Paducah Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison

Paducah, KY – A Paducah, KY, man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison, followed by a 5- year term of supervised release, for possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of felony offenses and for being an Armed Career Criminal.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Maynard of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.

According to court documents, Demario Terrell Daniels, 33, possessed a pistol having previously been convicted of the federal felony offense of cocaine base distribution in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Daniels had also been previously convicted of the felony of fleeing/evading police in McCracken County, Kentucky. Daniels, an escapee from the McCracken County Regional Jail who had been a fugitive for approximately one year, brought the firearm into the McCracken County Regional Jail upon his arrest for other charges. The firearm was discovered by jail staff.

Daniels was sentenced pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing enhanced penalties for firearm or ammunition possession by persons who have been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses. A defendant who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life.

“The combined work of ATF Paducah, our state and local law enforcement partners, and AUSA Hancock resulted in the removal of an armed career criminal from our community and safer streets for our citizens,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated law enforcement personnel on duty in the Western District.”

“Drug dealers with guns are criminals who pose an increased threat to the safety of our communities,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Maynard of the Louisville Field Division. “Today’s sentencing is another example of the ongoing efforts of ATF and our local partners with the McCracken County Regional Jail, the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kentucky State Police working together to take a repeat offender off the streets and make our communities safer for everyone.”

This case was investigated by the ATF Paducah Satellite Office, with assistance from the McCracken County Regional Jail, the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kentucky State Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Branch Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Office, prosecuted the case.

Louisville Field Division