Felon Sentenced to Prison After Columbia Firearm Arrest
A federal judge sentenced a convicted felon to 33 months in prison following a firearm arrest in Columbia.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Devron Jakell Duncan received a 33-month federal prison sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentencing follows an arrest in the Five Points area where officers recovered a discarded 9 mm pistol.
Why it matters
Federal law strictly prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from owning firearms, and the federal prison system enforces these sentences without the possibility of parole.
Judge Sherri A. Lydon imposed a 33-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant, Devron Jakell Duncan, remains ineligible for parole under current federal regulations.
The players
Sherri A. Lydon
Sherri A. Lydon is a United States District Judge who presided over the sentencing hearing.
Devron Jakell Duncan
Devron Jakell Duncan is a 33-year-old resident of Aiken with prior convictions for domestic violence, kidnapping, and illegal firearm possession.
The details
Following a traffic stop in the Five Points area of Columbia, Devron Jakell Duncan fled on foot and discarded a loaded 9 mm pistol. Officers recovered the weapon, leading to his prosecution for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon due to his criminal history.
Timeline
February 15, 2023: Police apprehended Duncan in Columbia after a foot pursuit.
Legal Context
This case follows the established enforcement pattern of the federal prohibition on firearm possession by convicted felons. It underscores the consistent application of mandatory federal sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders in the South Carolina judicial district.
The resolution of this case removes an illegally possessed firearm from the streets of the Five Points area. Residents should remain aware that local law enforcement continues to prioritize the removal of illegal weapons to maintain community safety.
The takeaway
Repeat offenders face significant prison time when caught with illegal weapons due to strict federal statutes. The absence of parole in the federal system ensures that the full duration of the sentence is served in custody.
Further reading
For more information on local judicial proceedings, visit the Criminal Justice section.
