ATF Metro Gun Unit and the United States Attorney's Office
turn up the HEAT on convicted felon.

United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, James Vines, Special Agent in Charge James Cavanaugh, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Nashville Field Division, and Nashville Police Department Chief of Police Emmett Turner, announce the March 13, 2003 jury trial conviction of Frederick A. Waller, age 44, of Nashville, Tennessee, for Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C., Section 922 (g)(1)).

Under a gun violence reduction program known as HEAT (Help Eliminate Armed Thugs), the United States Attorney's Office, ATF, and the Metropolitan Nashville Metro Police Department have partnered to conduct aggressive investigations and prosecutions involving prohibited persons who illegally possess firearms. Waller was one of the first persons to be prosecuted under this initiative.

In June 2002, WALLER was investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. During the course of the of their investigation, detectives recovered two semi-automatic pistols that were determine to belong to Waller.

A Federal complaint charging Waller with having violated 18 U.S.C., Section 922 (g)(1) (Felon in Possession of a Firearm) was filed on September 20, 2002 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee by the United States Attorney's Office in Nashville. As a result a Federal warrant was issued for Waller's arrest. Waller was arrested on September 23, 2002 and made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge E. Clifton Knowles. Following a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing U.S. Magistrate Knowles detained Waller.

On October 9, 2002, Waller's case was presented to a Federal Grand Jury. The Grand Jury returned a one-count true bill indictment against Waller charging him with violating Section 922 (g)(1) (Felon in Possession of a Firearm).

Waller's jury trial began on March 11, 2003 in the United District Court in Nashville before Chief District Court Judge Robert L. Echols. The trial lasted approximately 2½ days. Late yesterday afternoon the jury returned a guilty verdict.

Waller's sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2003.

This investigation was conducted by ATF Special Agents and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office.