A Tennessee man, 34-year-old John Joseph Simmons II, was found guilty by a federal jury last week for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Simmons’ conviction stems from an incident on May 13th, 2023, where he bypassed security barricades for the annual Blooming Festival in Nashville while carrying a loaded gun in his car.
Read: 6 Charged In North Carolina Kidnapping And Robbery Conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Announces
“Nashville’s annual Blooming Festival typically draws families enjoying food, music, and springtime fun. But in the last several years, the festival has sometimes drawn reckless actors with guns,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are proud to partner with the Nashville Police Department in its stepped-up efforts to keep the community safe. This verdict is a clear warning to keep illegal guns away from Eastern North Carolina festivals this summer. This former felon dodged a police barricade with a loaded gun in the car. He now faces a lengthy federal prison sentence.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Simmons bypassed a police barricade set up on West Washington Street in downtown Nashville on the evening of May 13th, 2023.
Read: South Dakota Mother And Son Convicted Of Murder And Assault
A subsequent traffic stop revealed a loaded firearm in his car.
Federal prosecutors praised the collaboration with the Nashville Police Department, emphasizing their commitment to keeping communities safe.
Simmons, a convicted felon, now faces a potential lengthy federal prison sentence.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.