Evergreen Reporter

A Centralia man, Lamar R. Bennett, has been sentenced to over ten years in federal prison following his conviction for possessing firearms as a felon. At the age of 33, Bennett pleaded guilty to three counts of felon in possession of a firearm, admitting to involvement in three separate incidents with law enforcement.

U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft stated, "Three brushes with the law by one defiant felon—this sentence of more than a decade in federal prison sends a strong message that repeat offenders who defy the law can expect to face certain justice in the federal system."

Bennett's criminal activity began with a conviction for possession of a firearm as a felon in Marion County Circuit Court in 2020, leading to a further legal prohibition on possessing firearms. Despite this, he engaged in several incidents involving firearms in 2023. On April 21, 2023, Bennett was involved in a single-car crash in Washington County, after which law enforcement recovered a Smith and Wesson 9-millimeter pistol he had concealed.

Another incident on October 14, 2023, involved a Glock 43X pistol found in Bennett's possession at his residence in Jefferson County. A third incident occurred on November 23, 2023, when Bennett attempted to flee a traffic stop in Marion County, resulting in his capture and the recovery of a Ruger SR9C pistol.

FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson commented on the case, saying, "This investigation and sentencing are a direct result of FBI Springfield Field Office’s dedication to disrupting and dismantling violent threats in our territory. This sentencing is a direct warning to those who continue criminal activity in our area."

Bennett will serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. The investigation involved contributions from the FBI Springfield Field Office, Centralia Police Department, and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Hudson handling the prosecution.