After less than an hour and a half of deliberation, a Webster Parish jury has found 50-year-old Daniel Smith guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentencing is set for July 6 before 26th Judicial Court Judge Charles Smith. Sentencing range for possession of firearm by a convicted felon is five to 20 years in prison at hard labor, subject to increase as a habitual felony offender.

Smith has multiple prior felony convictions and was on parole for a felony burglary conviction at the time of his arrest. Due to his extensive criminal history, Smith could now be charged as a habitual felony offender which could significantly increase his  prison sentence.

In September of last year, detectives with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office went to a Watterman St. residence in Minden, attempting to locate Daniel Smith in reference to an active warrant.

Upon arrival, detectives made contact with the homeowner who showed them to the room where Smith was staying at the time. Detectives observed two cell phones and a loaded Springfield Armory XP .45 caliber handgun laying on the bed.

While checking rooms in the house, WPSO Sgt. Josh McCormick heard a noise in the back bedroom that the homeowner claimed to be his room. The door was barricaded shut with a dresser in front of it. Detectives pushed the door open and discovered Daniel Smith inside.

Smith admitted to detectives that he was in possession of the gun discovered in his room. After further investigation, detectives determined that Smith was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

“The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department should be commended for a job well done on this case. They were being proactive in looking for suspects with active warrants.  Sgt. Josh McCormick, Lt. Chase Wimberly, and Det. Ben Allen did an outstanding job investigating this and apprehending Daniel Smith” said Bossier-Webster District Attorney Schuyler Marvin. “Our office does intend to file a habitual offender bill. Felons who carry guns will be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Assistant District Attorney Jimbo Yocom prosecuted the case and attorney Mary Ellen Halterman with the Public Defender’s Office represented Smith.