A Durham man, Mario DeAndre Taylor, 44, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Taylor received his sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to one count of firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina. Following his prison term, he will serve three years of supervised release.
High-Speed Chase and Arrest
The charges stem from an October 5, 2023, incident when Durham County deputies attempted to arrest Taylor on multiple outstanding warrants. The warrants included charges of armed robbery, fraud, assault on a police officer, aggravated assault, and robbery with a dangerous weapon, all alleged to have occurred between July and October 2023.
Federal prosecutors say Taylor led authorities on a high-speed chase through residential and business areas in Durham. The pursuit ended when Taylor fled on foot, discarding a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, which deputies recovered at the scene. Taylor was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Federal Sentencing and Enforcement
Taylor’s sentencing underscores the severity of federal firearm possession laws, particularly for individuals with prior criminal records. The case highlights collaboration between local and federal authorities to address gun-related crimes in Durham, a city grappling with rising violence.
“Federal law enforcement remains committed to removing firearms from the hands of those who illegally possess them,” said a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Taylor’s 12-year sentence reflects both the seriousness of his actions and his extensive criminal history, which includes offenses spanning several months.
Community Impact
This case comes amid ongoing efforts in Durham to combat violent crime, with law enforcement agencies emphasizing the importance of removing illegal firearms from circulation. Local residents have expressed concerns about the impact of violent crimes involving firearms, which continue to plague communities across the region.
The arrest and sentencing of individuals like Taylor are part of a broader push to hold offenders accountable and deter similar crimes in the future.
Public Safety Resources
Law enforcement encourages the public to report illegal firearm possession or suspicious activity to help keep neighborhoods safe. Information can be shared anonymously through local CrimeStoppers programs.
