By PATRICK HALL
The Wilson Post

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives praised officers of the Lebanon Police Department for their work in arresting a convicted felon on a charge of carrying a loaded handgun and who was sentenced in March to 180 months in federal prison.

“Hopefully this will send a message to convicted felons that carry weapons that the punishment is severe,” said Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen.

Bowen said he received a letter from Frank Haera, Group Supervisor of the federal ATF Nashville Group I, praising Officers C.J. Spicer and Kevin Ragland for their roles in arresting Anthony Carter of 315 E. Forrest Ave., Lebanon, on Sept. 14, 2010.

Bowen said Spicer pulled over Carter, who was riding a bicycle without proper illumination, on North Cumberland Street. Bowen said Spicer noticed a bulge in Carter’s pocket, and Carter admitted to carrying a loaded .38 caliber handgun.

Carter was arrested and was also found to have been carrying a crack pipe and prescription medication. Bowen said the department asked the ATF to look into the case as Carter had several felony convictions.

Carter was sentenced on March 26 to 15 years in prison under the Armed Career Criminal statute and also 36 months of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Bowen also said Carter had a lengthy criminal record.

Bowen said the department asked the ATF to assist in the Federal prosecution of Carter as part of the ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.

“The investigation and prosecution of Carter could not have occurred without the officers’ hard work and dedication to public safety. ATF thanks you and the Lebanon Police Department for their efforts,” Haera said in the letter.

Bowen noted the department has asked the ATF to assist in the investigation and Federal prosecution of at least seven other cases in the near future.

Staff Writer Patrick Hall may be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .