District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington announced that Dakota Harvey, 36, of Campti, has been sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment following his recent conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The sentencing took place in 10th Judicial District Court before Judge Desiree Dyess, who ordered the sentence to be served without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. In addition to the prison term, Judge Dyess imposed a $1,000 fine.

Harvey was previously found guilty by a jury on March 20, 2025, following a three-day trial.

He was arrested by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office following a traffic stop in which deputies discovered a 9mm handgun and ammunition in his vehicle. At the time, Harvey had two active arrest warrants and was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction for aggravated battery. This was Harvey’s fourth felony conviction.