Federal authorities in the Southern District of Georgia have returned indictments involving illegal firearms possession and drug distribution. Several defendants face federal prison sentences or are awaiting further proceedings after pleading guilty to gun-related charges.
“Illegally possessed guns, particularly those converted to automatic fire, are a persistent threat to public safety,” stated Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. She emphasized the commitment of law enforcement partners to eliminate these sources of violence.
The prosecutions fall under Project Safe Neighborhoods, which involves collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI. The initiative aims to reduce violent crime by targeting convicted felons who illegally possess firearms.
Recent indictments include Javon Edwards from Savannah on charges related to possessing a machine gun modified with a "Glock switch," and Travis Sanders also from Savannah for firearm possession as a convicted felon.
Defendants already adjudicated include Laron Thompson, alias “Hollywood,” sentenced to 115 months in prison for drug conspiracy and firearm possession by a felon; Jacqueline Christmas sentenced to 33 months for making false statements during firearm purchases; Jakobian Sentell Jones received 60 months for firearm possession by a felon along with cocaine and methamphetamine distribution intent; Othnell Christian Ferguson was sentenced to 70 months for similar charges; while others like Kenyatta Dunn Nero await sentencing after pleading guilty.
Additional cases involve Jamal Brashad Hawkins, Darnell Harold Miller, Nathan Sparks, Anthony McQuarters, and Christopher Jeramy Blair—all facing sentencing after pleading guilty to possessing firearms as convicted felons.
Under federal law, it is prohibited for individuals falling into certain categories such as felons or unlawful controlled substance users to possess firearms. Purchasing or attempting purchase on behalf of others is also illegal if the buyer is prohibited or lying on ATF Form 4473.
For more details about lawful purchasing practices from ATF: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473