Marcos Daniel Jiménez, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; and Julie Torres, Special Agent in Charge, United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced that defendant, Fakeria Shazay Phillips, of Delray Beach, Florida, was sentenced today to a fifteen (15) year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks in West Palm Beach, Florida. On January 22, 2004, Phillips pleaded guilty to the offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e).

This case stems from the investigation and arrest of Phillips by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Delray Beach Police Department, in connection with the Project Safe Neighborhoods program (“PSN”). PSN is a comprehensive initiative between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies designed to reduce armed crime throughout the country. Nationwide over 1,150 federal, state, and local prosecutors, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and other members participate in this initiative.

Mr. Jiménez commended the investigative efforts of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the West Palm Beach Police Department, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John C. McMillan.