Louisiana Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm After he Shot a Dog

Louisiana. –  United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced on July 1, 2022, that Justin M. Marks, 35, of Sulphur, Louisiana, has been sentenced for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Marks to 43 months (3 years, 7 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented in court, on October 13, 2020, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a call involving the shooting of a canine. When deputies arrived at the house, they discovered a dog with a gunshot wound to the upper chest. Deputies interviewed witnesses on the scene before approaching the residence and speaking with Marks. Marks agreed to speak with deputies after being advised of his Miranda rights and admitted to shooting his neighbor's dog. He produced the used firearm, which was seized by law enforcement officers.

Marks admitted that he was aware that as a convicted felon, he was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition. In 2008, he was convicted of simple arson, unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling, and simple property damage; and in 2021, he was convicted of possession of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Craig R. Bordelon.