An Oklahoma City man has been dealt a six-year prison term for the illegal possession of ammunition and a firearm after a previous felony conviction, in a case that began with a domestic violence call. The U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced the sentencing of Trayveon Ramon Caldwell, 34, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, aimed at reducing violent crime, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
According to court records, officers responded to Caldwell's residence on August 28, 2023, following a domestic violence report. A search of the premises led to the discovery of a spent shell casing and, later, the seizure of a handgun with live rounds of ammunition during an executed warrant related to the controlled purchase of crack cocaine. In December last year, Caldwell admitted his guilt, acknowledging possession of the firearm and ammunition in spite of his earlier felony charges, as per a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
At the sentencing on April 23, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk imposed a sentence of 72 months in federal prison with an additional three years of supervised release post-incarceration. The court highlighted the violent nature of the offense and Caldwell’s existing criminal history, which features several felony convictions, including those for drug possession and distribution, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The successful prosecution falls under “Operation 922,” Western District of Oklahoma’s strategic implementation of PSN, specifically targeting federal crimes connected to domestic violence. Caldwell's history of felony convictions outlined during the hearing, span possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, drug proceeds, and an offensive weapon during felony activity, reflecting a narrative of reoccurring criminal behavior, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Oklahoma City Police Department jointly carried out the investigation that resulted in Caldwell's conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gridley was credited with prosecuting the case, ultimately leading to Caldwell's current mandatory period of incarceration and future supervised release.
