OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, JATARVIS MANDEZ PRATT, 26, of Lawton, was sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On February 18, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a one-count Indictment that alleged illegal possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony.  On June 14, 2021, Pratt plead guilty to the Indictment.  Federal law prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition by convicted felons under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1).

Public records reflect that, on September 4, 2020, Lawton Police Department officers noticed Pratt driving a vehicle.  Knowing that Pratt did not have a valid driver’s license, officers initiated a traffic stop.  Pratt stopped and exited the vehicle then fled the scene on foot.  Officers chased Pratt though an apartment complex, where he was eventually caught and taken into custody.  Pratt also verified his status as a member of a street gang during the encounter.  A loaded pistol was later found during an inventory search of Pratt’s vehicle. 

Public records further reflect that Pratt had multiple prior felony convictions.  These convictions in Comanche County District Court, case number CF-14-245, include using an offensive weapon during the commission of a felony, feloniously pointing a firearm at another, burglary in the first degree, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.  He was released from Oklahoma state prison in May 2020 after serving a prison term for these felony offenses.

On February 14, 2022, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Pratt to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. 

This case is the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lawton Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Mary E. Walters and Stanley J. West prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. 

Reference is made to public filings for more information.