Fort Mill man with illegal gun at traffic stop sentenced to federal prison
A Fort Mill man was sentenced Monday to seven years in federal prison for possessing an illegal firearm, said Brian P. Stirling, the U.S. attorney for South Carolina.
The S.C. Highway Patrol pulled over Cederick Dion Dixon, 38, in January 2023 for a defective equipment violation, according to a U.S. attorney’s news release.
A trooper discovered Dixon’s license was suspended because he was a habitual traffic offender, the news release said.
During a search, the trooper found a backpack in the front seat with a firearm inside, along with 9mm ammunition.
According to Stirling, Dixon was also caught with marijuana and an open container of alcohol.
Due to previous convictions for attempted armed robbery, unlawful carrying of a weapon, distribution of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Dixon was sentenced to seven years by United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, to be followed by three years of supervision.
Dixon pleaded guilty to the charges on Jan. 17 of this year as part of an agreement with prosecutors.
Family write letters to court
“Since Cederick has been incarcerated he has taken the rehabilitation courses offered and has attended church service every Monday night,” wrote Shamone Dixon, Cederick Dixon’s spouse, in a letter to the court. “He’s even participated in and completed the weekly assignments the ministry has given and should be receiving a certificate soon if he hasn’t already received it by the time of this letter.
“Please give my husband another chance to be a better husband and father. I will do all that I can to help and support him continue to make better decisions and excel in life.”
According to the Rock Hill division of U.S. District Court, the penalty for Dixon’s offenses could have been a maximum of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon and defense attorney Jenny D. Smith signed off on Dixon’s 87-month-long incarceration.
Dixon also forfeited $4,068.92 and was truthful and compliant with his attorney and in court, according to the plea agreement.
Dixon will be held in a federal prison with no parole.
