JACKSON CO., Ill. - Anthony I. Hunter, aka “Shug,” 29, of Murphysboro, was sentenced earlier this week to 84 months in federal prison for a firearm offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Steven D. Weinhoeft announced Friday. Hunter previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, on October 4, 2017, officers from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Murphysboro Police Department approached Hunter to place him under arrest for an active warrant. When the officers searched Hunter incident to arrest, they located a loaded Beretta 9mm pistol in his waistband. Because Hunter has a prior felony conviction, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. At sentencing, Hunter received sentencing enhancements because the firearm was stolen and because Hunter possessed firearms in connection with a drug distribution offense.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.