Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Loaded Firearm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Christopher Jeffrey Monroe, 29, of no permanent address, was sentenced on Wednesday to 24 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva.

At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Monroe to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Monroe pleaded guilty on September 25, 2015, to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and information presented to the court, on April 27, 2015, Newport Police Department officers developed information that Monroe, who was wanted on an active state arrest warrant, was staying in a room at a Newport motel. While officers were knocking on the door of the room they believed Monroe was occupying, they heard a window being opened. Officers observed Monroe leap from the window. Monroe was detained following a brief foot chase. The officers discovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun in Monroe’s pocket.

According to court records and information presented to the court, Monroe had previously been convicted of felony crimes, including assault.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.

ATF assisted Newport Police in the investigation of this matter.