Memphis, TN – Donya Davis, 27, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a weapon during a domestic disturbance. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on October 11, 2020, officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to an armed party domestic disturbance call in the 2300 block of Ketchum Road. The 911 caller advised that her daughter was locked in a bedroom with the defendant, who was threatening her with a weapon. As the officers arrived on the scene, they could hear the disturbance coming from inside the apartment. They entered the apartment and spoke with the alleged victim, B.C., who is the mother of Davis’ children. B.C. allowed the officers to search the apartment, where they found a Mossberg rifle in a Nike backpack, loaded with 1 round in the chamber and 20 rounds in the magazine.
Further investigation revealed, Davis had outstanding warrants for domestic assault and violation of probation, as well as previous convictions for domestic assault involving bodily injury and felony aggravated assault. Davis waived Miranda rights, and admitted to possessing the weapon. As a result of his prior convictions, Davis is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 10, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. Davis faces up to ten years imprisonment, to be followed by three years supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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