Federal authorities in the Southern District of Georgia have returned indictments on several individuals facing felony charges related to illegal firearms possession. This development is part of ongoing efforts to address gun-related crimes in the region.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Jill E. Steinberg, emphasized the importance of these actions, stating, “As we continue to see the proliferation of illegal guns converted to fully automatic fire, we commend our law enforcement partners for acting to contain this threat to our neighborhoods. Keeping firearms out of the hands of felons remains a priority for our office.”
The indictments are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative initiative involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI. The project aims to reduce violent crime by targeting convicted felons who illegally possess firearms.
The individuals indicted include Antonio Rodriquez Holmes III from Augusta; Luke Bunyun Jr. from Waynesboro; Lemar Neil Robinson from Savannah; and Charlie Sapp also from Savannah. All are charged with various offenses related to illegal firearm possession.
Several defendants have already been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to similar charges. Notable cases include Richard Bruce Salyer Jr., sentenced to 170 months in prison; David Kreiss, sentenced to 88 months; and Kavon Smalls, sentenced to 42 months.
Other individuals await sentencing following guilty pleas for offenses ranging from possession of machine guns to making false statements during firearm purchases.
These prosecutions highlight federal laws prohibiting firearm possession by certain categories of individuals including felons and those involved in drug trafficking or violent crimes. It is also unlawful under federal law to make false statements when purchasing firearms.
For further details on lawful firearm purchasing guidelines, information can be accessed through the ATF's official website.