A Mississippi woman will spend 14 months in federal prison after she lied about past mental issues when trying to buy a firearm.

Tamesha Lewis, 36, of Shubuta, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 14 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer in connection with acquiring or purchasing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Lewis was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.

On March 21, 2018, Lewis attempted to purchase a gun from a firearm dealer in Meridian.

When a person purchases a firearm, they are required to truthfully provide certain information on an ATF form in connection with such a purchase, including whether that individual has ever been committed to a mental institution.

In this case, Lewis provided false information by indicating that she had never been previously committed to a mental institution.

On October 24, 2018, Lewis was charged in a federal indictment with making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer in an attempt to purchase a firearm. She pleaded guilty before Judge Wingate on February 6, 2019.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.