Judge sentences N. Charleston man found with loaded gun while out on bond for murder [Video]

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The United States Department of Justice says a 25-year-old man has been sentenced after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Da’Shawn Marquis Richards, of North Charleston, will spend a little more than three years in federal prison for having a firearm while being a felon, U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson Veronica Hill said in a release.

United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Richards to 46 months of imprisonment followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Hill said this was the maximum sentence based on guidelines.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Richards was wanted for murder and attempted murder in Charleston County in Nov. 2021. During his arrest, authorities found a loaded handgun with an extended magazine in his vehicle, the release stated.

While out on bond for those charges on March 22, 2023, Richards was found with another loaded handgun.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.