From staff reports
A Franklin man pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced Wednesday.
Phillip John Dechant, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.
In connection with the guilty plea, the release said, the court was advised that on or about April 22, 2020, Dechant possessed numerous firearms while being a convicted felon.
The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, the release said. Under the federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dechant, the release said.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws, the release said.
