Battle Creek Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possessing Multiple Guns and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Selling Heroin

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles announced today that Vincent Isaac-Peter Jones, age 28, of Battle Creek, was sentenced to 152 months – well over 12 years -- in prison after pleading guilty to possessing two firearms as a convicted felon and possessing a third firearm in furtherance of heroin trafficking. One of the firearms had been reported stolen; another had an obliterated serial number. Jones had multiple prior felonies, including for possession of narcotics and a weapon.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles said, “Drugs and stolen guns are a toxic mix, which is only made worse when they are possessed by convicted felons. Battle Creek and Western Michigan neighborhoods are safer after eliminating these guns and drugs. This sentence sends a strong signal that people who use stolen guns to aid selling drugs face significant punishments in the federal system.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Bogdalek said “ This sentence imposed highlights our effort along with our state and local law enforcement partners, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office, to remove violent individuals like Mr. Jones from our streets. Mr. Jones’ repetitive past displayed a continued willingness to carry and use firearms to commit crimes, including narcotics trafficking, that continue to paralyze our community”.

This case resulted from a coordinated investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Battle Creek Police Department’s Gang Suppression Unit and Special Investigations Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russ Kavalhuna.