BERNARD CURTIS DAVIS, 30, of Spanaway, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 210 months in prison and five years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm, for being a felon in possession of ammunition, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.  DAVIS was convicted following a three day jury trial one year ago.  At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton said the long sentence was necessary to protect the public because DAVIS “engaged in gratuitous violence” against weaker victims.

According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, in March 2009, Pierce County Sheriff’s detectives were investigating a strong-arm robbery at a convenience store in Spanaway.  The victim was able to provide a license plate number for the suspects. The car was registered to BERNARD CURTIS DAVIS.  DAVIS was on probation from the Washington State Department of Corrections.  DAVIS had six prior felony convictions in Pierce County, Washington: Robbery (2001); Burglary (2001); Assault (2006); Robbery (2006); Unlawful possession of a firearm (2006); Attempted Possession of Marijuana with intent to deliver (2008). Law enforcement went to the home where DAVIS was living.  In DAVIS’ room and a storage room officers found twelve baggies of marijuana and a scale, a rifle and ammunition.  DAVIS was arrested at the residence.

DAVIS was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.  Unveiled in May 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a comprehensive and strategic approach to gun law enforcement.  PSN is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America by networking both new and existing local programs that target gun crime and then providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed.  Implementation at the local level -- in this case, in Pierce County -- has fostered close partnerships between federal, state and local prosecutors and law enforcement.

The case was investigated by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington State Department of Corrections, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Jerrod Patterson.

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