Fayette County Man Sentenced for Firearm Possession as a Convicted Felon

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Overview

On Friday, March 15, 2024, Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves sentenced Davon S. Tooley, a 37-year-old Lexington man, to a 145-month prison term. The sentencing follows Tooley’s conviction on two counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The Initial Incident

According to the plea agreement, law enforcement officers responded to a vehicle collision on April 28, 2022. Upon reaching the scene, they found one of the drivers, later identified as Tooley, had fled. Remaining at the scene were quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and a firearm. Eventually, officers apprehended Tooley.

Second Run-In with law enforcement

Subsequently, on July 7, 2023, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Tooley. Officers on the scene observed a firearm near Tooley’s feet, which was subsequently seized. Tooley admitted on both instances to having firearms in his possession, fully aware of his status as a convicted felon and the prohibition against he possessing firearms.

Previous Convictions

Tooley’s criminal record includes convictions for Second Degree Manslaughter and Tampering with Physical Evidence, dating back to 2010 in the Jefferson Circuit Court. Notably, Tooley was out on parole during the commission of both new offenses.

The Sentence

According to federal law, Tooley must serve 85% of his prison sentence, which is approximately 123 months. Following his release, Tooley will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for a period of three years.

The Announcing voices

The sentencing was jointly announced by Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers of the Lexington Police Department.

The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker on behalf of the United States. The investigation was a joint effort between the ATF and Lexington Police Department.

Project Safe Neighborhoods

The case belongs to the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN). The nationwide initiative aims to reduce violent crimes in communities by integrating efforts in investigation and prosecution with prevention and reentry measures. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts together with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

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