A Lancaster man with prior felony convictions will serve at least 7½ years in prison for having a stolen firearm during an incident last year in the city.

Lancaster city police caught Chappell Williams discarding the gun when they responded to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street on Feb. 25, 2019.

Police recovered the firearm and determined Williams had felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms.

Lancaster County Judge Thomas Sponaugle last week sentenced Williams to 7½ to 15 years in prison. The sentencing was done via video conference.

Williams, 41, was convicted at trial in January of felony persons not to possess.

Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson cited at sentencing Williams’ “extensive” criminal record and said Williams tried to get away with having the gun by discarding it as police arrived.

Lancaster city police Detective Lt. Nathan Nickel witnessed Williams discard the 9mm pistol. Detective Lt. Nickel filed charges.

Williams represented himself at trial. He also has pending robbery, aggravated assault and firearms charges. He is presumed innocent of those charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright