Phillip O’Neal McCoy, a 45-year-old resident of West Columbia, has been sentenced to over six years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to information presented in court, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) identified McCoy as a felon involved in illegal firearms and narcotics sales in the West Columbia area. On January 5, 2024, McCoy distributed crack cocaine while also possessing other controlled substances. Five days later, on January 10, 2024, he sold a loaded semiautomatic pistol while again possessing additional controlled substances.
Federal law prohibits McCoy from owning firearms or ammunition due to his previous convictions. These include pointing and presenting a firearm, first-degree assault and battery, domestic violence, and several convictions for distributing controlled substances. At the time of this offense, McCoy was also on probation.
U.S. District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced McCoy to 77 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The federal system does not allow parole.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the West Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.
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