Thomas Elliott Called "Incorrigible"; Sent Back To Federal Prison For 5 Years

  • Thursday, November 7, 2019

A federal judge on Thursday ordered a five-year prison sentence for a defendant he called "incorrigible."

Judge Travis McDonough said it was "unprecedented" that Thomas Elliott was in trouble again just hours after getting out of prison on a prior infraction.

He said Elliott "has a contempt for the law and authorities."

The judge said, "If I sentenced him to 50 years, it would not be a deterrent for him."

It was noted that it was the fourth time for Elliott in Federal Court, which also was said to be a record.

Judge McDonough said Elliott "has a history of violence that puts the community at great risk."

He said when Elliott was a 17-year-old "he went to East Lake Academy to pick a fight with a middle schooler."

On May 5, 2018, a Chattanooga Housing Authority investigator spotted Elliott at East Lake Courts. When he asked him if he lived there, he began to run.

The investigator ran around a building and was able to cut off his escape route.

Elliott then took a revolver from his waistband and laid it on the ground. He later said the gun was for protection.

His prior felony convictions include aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of escape.

In connection with the same incident, Elliott served four months in state court after a misdemeanor conviction.

 

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