Shimel Clifton Knowell
An inner city youth who once had a $22 per hour job with the Gestamp automotive supply firm is now headed to federal prison.
Shimel Clifton Knowell, 20, was sentenced by Judge Travis McDonough to serve two years.
He earlier had a term of 13 months and one day after a guilty plea to gun possession while under the influence of drugs. However, he was given the higher sentence due to infractions while he was out on federal bond.
Judge McDonough said of the bond period, "I didn't see that you did anything that we asked you to."
He said, "The saddest thing is your losing the $22 an hour job. Many people would give their right arm for a job like that."
On Oct. 29, 2018, a city officer checked out a black Dodge Charger with several individuals inside at the Eastdale Recreation Center. Knowell was in the front passenger seat.
The officer said the car was smoky and there was a strong odor of marijuana.
He said a Glock handgun with nine live rounds was located under the seat occupied by Knowell. He said he had bought it from a guy named Mark in September.
The gun was found to have been stolen out of Marion County.
Authorities said Knowell admitted that he has been smoking about five blunts a week of marijuana over the past three years.