A Carbondale man is headed to prison for being a felon in possession of a weapon.
The Jackson County State's Attorney says 22-year-old Jonquel Gaston received a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to the offense of Unlawful Possession of Weapons by a Felon.
On February 2, Carbondale police officers observed an individual known to them as Gaston, who was known to have an active arrest warrant, in the 500 block of East Main Street in Carbondale. He was arrested on the warrant without incident.
Officers recovered a loaded .380 caliber handgun in Gaston's pocket. He admitted it was his and he carried it for protection.
Gaston does not possess a valid FOID card, Concealed Carry Permit, and, as a felon is prohibited from possessing firearms.