Felon Convicted of Possessing a Handgun

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a felon in possession of a loaded handgun. A jury found David Clark Ware, 31, guilty of Unlawful Possession of a Handgun and Simple Possession of Marijuana. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on January 23.

In a one-day trial, Assistant District Attorney Phil Morton explained to the jury that on January 1, 2019, officers with the Knoxville Police Department Violence Reduction Team were conducting an investigation at a residence on Sevier Avenue. While officers were speaking with a resident at the front door, Ofc. David Gerlach saw Ware open a rear bedroom window and drop a loaded handgun to the ground. Officers secured the residence and detained Ware, who has two prior felony convictions. Ware was also in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Ware denied dropping the gun out of the window despite the fact that he was the only other person in the apartment.

Because of his two prior felony convictions, Ware is facing a sentence between six and ten years.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.