A Meridian man pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District Court of Mississippi announced Monday.

According to court documents, Jacquis LaShawn Houston, 27, was found in possession of a firearm by a Lauderdale County Sheriff’s deputy on March 16, 2020, during a traffic stop. Houston, who was riding as a passenger, threw a 9mm pistol from the vehicle. As a convicted felon, it is against federal law for Houston to possess any firearm.

Houston is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 28, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.

The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.