A Colorado Springs man has been sentenced to over a decade in prison for illegal possession of firearms. Lemich Riddle, a 27-year-old resident with a prior felony conviction, received a 156-month sentence after being apprehended with six firearms in his vehicle. The sentencing was the culmination of a trial that established Riddle's prohibited status from bearing arms due to his criminal history.
The arrest and subsequent trial unfolded after authorities acted on an outstanding warrant for Riddle on November 1, 2022. Colorado Springs Police Department SWAT team officers took the initiative and apprehended Riddle as he was making his way back to his apartment. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the discovery of the weapons in Riddle's car was a decisive factor in the case.
United States Attorney Matt Kirsch emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, "We will always prosecute dangerous felons who possess weapons," He reiterated that Riddle's sentence "reflects the seriousness of this defendant’s continued violation of the law." Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez highlighted the collaboration between local and federal enforcement, claiming, "This case highlights how the quality work of our investigators can be amplified by our partnership with federal authorities, resulting in significant sentencing that holds individuals accountable in meaningful ways that also make our community safer," as obtained by the U.S. Department of Justice.
