Wilmington Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Firing Sawed-Off Rifle Near School

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Wilmington man has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jahmez Tavaughn Jackson, 24, received the sentence after firing a sawed-off rifle at another individual near a local charter school and leading officers on a high-speed chase.

Jackson, a known Crip gang member, fired multiple shots from a 9mm sawed-off rifle at another person on February 22, 2023. The incident occurred near the intersection of 6th Street and Campbell Street in Wilmington, just over 200 feet from the Roger Bacon Douglas Academy, a K-5 charter school. Fortunately, no one was injured, although a vehicle parked at the school was hit by a bullet.

Law enforcement quickly located Jackson in Pender County and attempted a traffic stop, but he fled, reaching speeds of up to 118 mph. During the chase, Jackson tossed the weapon out of the car window before losing control and crashing into a median. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed marijuana, oxycodone, and drug paraphernalia. Investigators also found evidence on Jackson’s phone linking him to the drug trade and showing him posing with firearms, including the sawed-off rifle used in the shooting.

Jackson’s criminal history includes several felony convictions, such as assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, attempted burglary, and kidnapping. At the time of the federal offense, Jackson was on state probation and wearing an ankle monitor.

“This Crip gang member was a one-man crime spree, firing shots towards a Wilmington charter school and leading police on a high-speed chase topping 118 miles per hour,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The new Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is built for cases just like this and got this felon 15 years in federal prison. We’re using the new law to prosecute violent gangs and shooters across North Carolina, especially those endangering our kids.”

Chief Donny Williams of the Wilmington Police Department expressed relief at Jackson's sentencing, emphasizing the department's commitment to combating gun violence and protecting the community. "There is no place for gun violence in the City of Wilmington," said Williams. "Through his involvement with narcotics and violent gun crimes, he has clearly shown that he is not ready to be out on the streets."

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following the sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III.

close up photograph of brass bulletsPhoto byPixabay