From the Obion County Sheriff’s Office:
A multi-jurisdictional federal investigation resulted in the successful prosecution and sentencing of four individuals for the theft of firearms from a licensed dealer. The case demonstrates effective inter-agency cooperation and the serious federal penalties associated with firearms-related crimes.
The Investigation
The case originated on January 29, 2024, when Final Flight Outfitters in Obion County was burglarized late in the evening, resulting in the theft of 19 handguns. The incident prompted an extensive multi-jurisdictional investigation by the Obion County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Union City Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
On February 1, 2024, Union City Officers made contact with the suspect vehicle from the burglary of Final Flight Outfitters in the 900 block of Sherwood in Union City, and a probable cause search was conducted. Three of the firearms from the burglary were recovered. This action provided critical evidence for the prosecution of all four defendants.
Through meticulous investigative work conducted over several months, law enforcement successfully prosecuted four adult males connected to the burglary, in the Jackson District Federal Court.
Case Resolution
As of August 1, 2025, all four defendants have been sentenced following their guilty pleas in federal court. Each individual pleaded guilty to charges of Possession of Stolen Firearms and Aiding and Abetting: Theft of Firearms from a Licensed Dealer.
The sentences imposed reflect the serious nature of firearms-related federal crimes:
1. Jaden Whittington: 46 months imprisonment with three years of supervised release
2. J’Shon Jones: 42 months imprisonment with three years of supervised release
3. D’Anthony McNeal: 36 months imprisonment with three years of supervised release
4. Natavion Giles: 30 months imprisonment with three years of supervised release
The combined sentences total 154 months (approximately 12.8 years) of federal imprisonment, with an additional 12 years of supervised release to be served upon completion of their prison terms.
Significance
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts in addressing firearms theft, a serious federal crime that poses significant public safety risks. Successful prosecution underscores the commitment of federal and local authorities—as well as responsible licensed firearms dealers like Final Flight–to holding individuals accountable for weapons–related offenses and protecting communities from the illegal trafficking of stolen firearms.