Gang Member Sentenced to 180 Months for Firearm and Drug Possession

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) announced today that Charles Franklin, age 34, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Todd Campbell for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of cocaine.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Gerido said, “This focused investigation will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms related violence and taking drugs off the streets of Murfreesboro.  ATF’s “Frontline” strategy to reduce violent crime demonstrates the collective resources ATF and the Murfreesboro Police Department bring to bear in identifying violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

“This is another example of how detectives and agents from the local and federal level can partner to better protect the citizens of Murfreesboro.  Working together, our agencies brought an individual who was a convicted felon, known gang member and drug dealer to justice where he will face the consequences of his illegal activities.  We will continue working with our federal law enforcement partners to place violent criminals behind bars,” said Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman.

This case is part of a proactive initiative with the Murfreesboro Police Department Gang Unit to reduce violent crime that has resulted in several federal prosecutions during the past two years. Franklin’s arrest and conviction was the result of a collective six month undercover operation by ATF and MPD. Franklin, a documented Gangster Disciple gang member and a five time convicted felon, was on state parole at the time he was arrested for a stolen Tennessee Highway Patrol service pistol.  ATF Forensic Science Laboratory was able to connect Franklin to the location where the cocaine and the stolen police weapon were found by a latent fingerprint belonging to Franklin.