Nationwide — Nakia Smith, an African American man from Chicago who faced a weapons charge for turning a gun over to police, has recently reached a plea deal. Smith, an anti-violence volunteer, said he believed he was helping get the weapon off the streets.
Smith handed the gun to police in 2023, according to ABC 7 Chicago. He said he turned it in because he thought it was the right thing to do.
However, prosecutors pointed to his criminal record as a convicted felon, which prevents him from legally possessing a firearm. Prosecutors moved forward with charges despite the fact that he had voluntarily surrendered the gun.
As part of a deal with prosecutors, Smith pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon without a concealed carry license.
A judge sentenced Smith to one year in prison. He received credit for the time he had already served.
The plea deal resolves the case stemming from the gun Smith turned over while doing anti-violence work in Chicago.