District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced today that a 10th Judicial District Court jury has convicted a Campti man of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Dakota Harvey, 36, was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior a felony conviction of aggravated battery.

In the current case, Harvey was arrested following a traffic stop by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, during which the deputy was notified that Harvey had two active arrest warrants. A search of his vehicle revealed a 9mm handgun and ammunition. During the three-day jury trial, the District Attorney’s Office presented evidence related to the traffic stop, including sworn testimony from the arresting deputy and the firearm discovered and located in Harvey’s vehicle and in his possession.

After hearing all evidence from the prosecution and cross-examination by the defense, the jury deliberated and returned a unanimous guilty verdict. District Court Judge Desiree Dyess has set sentencing for April 16 Assistant District Attorneys Cloyd Benjamin, Jr. and Bray Williams prosecuted the case.