Columbia man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on weapons charge

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.

Sam Haley, 46, was pulled over by Columbia police in April of 2018 for a routine traffic stop. According to officers, Haley tried to drive from the scene.

Following a search of Haley's car, officers located a semi-automatic firearm and some cocaine.

Haley has two prior felony convictions for assault, and prior felony convictions for armed criminal action and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.