A 19-year-old described as a member of the Rollin 60 Crips gang was sentenced on Monday to serve 52 months in federal prison.
Ladarius Howard appeared before Judge Sandy Mattice on a conviction for being a felon in possession of a handgun.
Prosecutor Chris Poole said Howard was in a vehicle with several handguns in it at the scene of a shootout.
He said Howard claimed possession of one gun apparently to protect Jumoke Johnson, described as the leader of the Rollin 60 Crips.
Attorney Parke Masterson said Howard has a son to be born soon.
Howard said he wants to get out of prison and take care of his son.