John Damian, a 30-year-old man from Sacramento, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb issued the sentence, according to a press release by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

On November 8, 2023, law enforcement officers serving a search warrant for an armed robbery suspect encountered Damian, who was found to be violating his parole, which included a search clause. After briefly attempting to move away from the suspect's vehicle, he admitted to carrying a gun when questioned. A search uncovered a loaded Glock 27 pistol with a 13-round magazine in his sweatshirt pocket, along with 20.74 grams of cocaine in another pocket. Damian has a criminal record with multiple prior felony convictions, including assault and improper firearm discharge, as reported by the Department of Justice.

The FBI and Sacramento Police Department led the investigation into Damian's arrest and prosecution. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew De Moura served as the prosecutor. The case is part of efforts to reduce violent crime and gun violence in communities nationwide.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a key part of the fight against gun violence, played a central role in this case. Relaunched in May 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice introduced a stronger strategy to reduce violent crime. This approach focuses on enforcing laws, building community trust, supporting peacekeeping efforts, and prioritizing enforcement. The Department of Justice aims to address both the symptoms and root causes of violence.