Felon With Gun Gets 7-Year Sentence | Chico News

Chico News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 10, 2026 · 1m

A convicted felon named James Thomas Smith got seven years and four months in prison after pulling a loaded gun on someone during a heated argument, unlocking a safe to grab it and threatening their life. Already barred from firearms due to his criminal record, Smith faced charges of assault with a semi-automatic weapon, illegal gun possession, and unlawful ammunition ownership — all of which the judge deemed serious enough to warrant a harsh sentence. This case underscores the deadly risks when weapons fall into the hands of those with prior convictions and sends a clear message: violating…