MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Sardis, Mississippi man was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm, according to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office.

In January of 2022, Jamaal Ellison, 40, was stopped by an Oxford Police officer for speeding, but fled the scene in his car. Reports say he crashed his car into a pole and attempted to flee on foot, but was caught by the officer on scene.

Reports say, officers found a Glock 40 caliber pistol and ammunition in Ellison’s car, as well as illegal narcotics. Ellison, who according to police, had previously been convicted of multiple felonies involving the sale of narcotics, admitted to possessing the gun.

Ellison was sentenced on Tuesday to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release.

“The sentence imposed today sends a message to the community that career criminals will be held accountable as we work to keep our neighborhoods safe as a top priority for ATF,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Sending a violent individual like this to prison is another example of our commitment to work tirelessly to protect our communities and hold accountable those who threaten our safety.”