Previously convicted felon sentenced for possession of firearms

James Vickers, 45, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Mar. 5, in Casper, Wyoming.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on Nov. 28, 2023. According to court documents, on Sep. 9, 2023, Rock Springs Police Department (RSPD) responded to Santa Fe Southwest Grill, to a report of shots being fired inside the restaurant. RSPD officers contacted Vickers in the parking lot and took him into custody. Officers searched Vickers and located a magazine loaded with ammunition as well as one loose round of ammunition in his pocket. Vickers admitted to tossing two guns when officer arrived. At the time of the gunshots, approximately 25-30 people were inside the restaurant, all of whom were evacuated. Vickers could not sit still during the interview and told officers he was coming down from methamphetamine. He also explained that he thought people were after him. Vickers, a previously convicted felon, possessed the firearms illegally. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the RSPD. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens.

Case No. 23-CR-00142