Gang Member Convicted of Possessing Firearm

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained a conviction today against a Crip gang member and convicted felon who threatened to shoot up the Austin Homes Homecoming. Antonio Demont Thomas, 36, was convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon. Judge Scott Green set the case for sentencing on September 9 where Thomas faces up to ten years in prison.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorney TaKisha Fitzgerald explained that on October 1, 2016, Knoxville Police Department Officer Raiques Crump responded to a disturbance at Harriet Tubman Park. Once on scene, Ofc. Crump learned that when Thomas arrived at the park for the Austin Homes Homecoming, he got into a disagreement with a witness about parking, brandished a handgun, and threatened to”shoot up” the homecoming. Thomas is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of five prior felony convictions: three convictions for Attempted Second Degree Murder, one conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and one conviction for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

“This conviction would not have been possible without community support from the residents of Austin Homes,” said DA Charme Allen.

Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon is a Class C felony. Because of Thomas’ five prior convictions, he is facing a punishment between six and ten years. Prosecutors will argue for an enhanced sentence based on Thomas’ gang affiliation, his violent criminal history, and the fact that he was on federal supervised release when he committed this offense.

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.