LaPlace man sentenced to 5 years for felon gun possession

Published 12:10 am Saturday, April 20, 2019

EDGARD — Damon Morris pleaded guilty Monday to possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Damon Morris

According to the St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney’s Office, the plea was part of a negotiation offered by prosecutors.

Ad Hoc Judge Kirk Vaughn presided over the plea, which included a five-year prison term with the Department of Corrections and a $1,000 fine.

Authorities said the plea followed an Oct. 6 arrest, when deputies from the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to North Sugar Ridge Street and Cinclair Loop because of a domestic disturbance.

Authorities said Morris, 35, hit a female victim with a firearm, and the firearm was later found in Morris’ backpack.

Morris had a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine from 2007, when he was placed on probation that ended April 15, 2009.

Prosecutors said no charges were brought against Morris for the domestic altercation because the victim declined to press charges.

Assistant D.A. Briana Robertson led the prosecution with an assist by Assistant D.A. J. Philip Prescott Jr. Attorney Shannon Battiste represented Morris.