Antioch resident Timothy Jeffrey, popularly referred to as "Boo," has been found guilty on two counts related to illegal firearm possession, as per an announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The 44-year-old, with a history of felony convictions, faces a significant prison sentence following his latest brush with the law. According to the Department of Justice, the jury's decision came after a trial before Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup.
Documents from the court reveal that on April 25, 2023, Jeffrey attempted to elude Pittsburg Police by abandoning his vehicle and attempting to escape on foot. Amid his flight, he discarded a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine, loaded with 19 rounds, over a fence. Jeffrey resumed his fugitive status post-arrest until suspicions about his whereabouts prompted an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office alongside the United States Marshals Service. This led to his arrest in March 2024 and the discovery of an AR-style rifle under a couch during a subsequent search, weaponry he seemingly attempted to sell, as shown through text messages found on a seized cell phone.
The previous run-ins with the law included past felony convictions for Jeffrey on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, escape from custody, and drug distribution conspiracy and possession. "The defendant, a convicted felon, not only possessed a semi-automatic pistol and assault rifle, but also attempted to sell the rifle on the black market. His actions endangered the community, and law enforcement’s work on this case helped prevent this deadly weapon from falling into the wrong hands," said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, as per the Department of Justice.
Jeffrey's conviction for unlawful firearm and ammunition possession comes at a time when local and federal authorities have been trying to curb the distribution of illegal firearms aggressively. Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani of ATF's San Francisco Field Division emphasized the commitment to community safety, noting in a statement by the Department of Justice, "ATF will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensure that our communities are safe. We will continue to focus on reducing gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking and ensuring that firearms stay out of the hands of prohibited persons." Jeffrey's sentencing is currently set for May 28, 2025, where he could receive up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 per count.
This conviction is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative effort between law enforcement organizations at all levels and the communities they serve to decrease violent crime and gun violence. The recent case reflects a larger, concerted crackdown following a DOJ strategy rebooted in May 2021, focusing on building community trust, supporting organizations that help prevent violence, effectively targeting enforcement, and measuring success outcomes.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aseem Padukone and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jillian Harvey handled the prosecution, with support from Claudia Hyslop, Nina Burney, and Yenni Weinberg. The culmination of Jeffrey's prosecution is credited to the concerted efforts of authorities, including the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, the Pittsburg Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
