The Mobile man suspected of killing a man and injuring nine others during New Year’s Eve celebrations downtown was sentenced to 10 years in prison today on federal gun charges in connection with the shooting.

Thomas Earl Thomas Jr., 22, of Mobile, pleaded guilty in federal court in Mobile back in April to illegally possessing a machine gun.

Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock handed down the sentence, which was the maximum, along with a three-year term of supervised release once he leaves prison. During this period, Thomas will receive substance abuse and mental health treatment. He also owes $100 in special assessments and forfeited his weapon.

Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine said the sentence “underscores our commitment to maintaining the safety and well-being of our community. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that individuals who engage in violent criminal activities face the full force of the law.

“Our commitment remains unwavering in ensuring community safety and justice. We express our condolences to the victims and their families and reassure our citizens of our dedication to their security during all future celebrations,” Prine said.

Thomas still faces multiple charges in the Mobile County District Court, including intentional murder, first degree assault, and shooting a firearm into occupied and unoccupied buildings and vehicles.

He is accused of firing a .40-caliber Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine and an illegal machine gun-conversion device known as a “Glock switch” during New Year’s Eve.

A man was killed and nine people were injured, eight severely, when gunfire rang out in a crowded section of Dauphin Street near South Jackson Street.

In pleading guilty to the federal charges, Thomas admitted that he lied to homicide detectives about possessing and firing the gun. The gunfire was captured on surveillance video.

Thomas also admitted to buying the gun at a Mobile gun show weeks before the shooting and that he knew it was illegally modified with the Glock switch.