Charlotte resident Phillip Leon Leggett is slated to spend just over eight years in federal prison following a conviction for illegal firearm possession, including a so-called "ghost gun." The sentence, handed down yesterday, underscores the pressing issue of unregistered firearms slipping into the hands of those prohibited from owning them.
In the fall of 2023, an undercover operation led by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) resulted in Leggett's apprehension. Authorities have confirmed that Leggett, who has a rap sheet peppered with robbery convictions, was found to illicitly possess a pair of firearms after attempting to all too hastily flee on foot from law enforcement officers. CMPD described witnessing firearms, including a loaded black Taurus PT111 G2 9mm and an unregistered "ghost gun," dropping from Leggett's grasp during the chase. These details were disclosed in a Department of Justice report.
Leggett, aged 30, is now facing a 102-month prison term, after which he will be placed under supervised release for three years. This sentencing highlights the collaborative efforts of CMPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as they confront the proliferation of illegal firearms in the community.
The case against Leggett fell under Operation Take Back America, a sweeping nationwide initiative which aims to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, to systematically dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and to shield communities from the fallout of violent crime. This operation synergizes the efforts of the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood to effectively tackle the challenge posed by illegal arms trafficking. Information about the operation, and Leggett's sentencing, was shared by Ferguson's office.
Upon the completion of trial proceedings, Leggett is expected to be transferred into the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The precise location of the federal facility where he will serve his sentence has yet to be determined.
