ROANOKE, VA. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Virginia, Western), published as received.
ROANOKE, Va. – A convicted felon, who fled from police during a traffic stop because he was illegally in possession multiple firearms, was sentenced yesterday to 9 years in federal prison.
Damonte Marquise Forbes, 33, previously pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, at approximately 9 p.m. on July 14, 2025, officers with the Town of Pulaski Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Forbes. During the traffic stop, officers learned that Forbes did not have a valid license and asked him to exit the vehicle. Additionally, a K9 unit from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was requested and responded to the scene.
After the K9 alerted to the scent of narcotics in the vehicle, officers found it locked. When questioned about this, Forbes attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, he was apprehended almost immediately and searched.
Officers found a 9 mm pistol with an extended magazine in his pant leg, as well as suspected MDMA in his shirt pocket. Additionally, officers searched the vehicle and found a .223 caliber assault pistol in the backseat, with a suppressor and a small quantity of cocaine.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Anthony Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge ATF Washington Division made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives, the Town of Pulaski Police Department and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case
