Federal authorities in the Southern District of Georgia have issued new indictments related to illegal firearm possession by felons. Several defendants have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.
Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, stated, “Illegally possessed firearms increase the likelihood of violent crime in our communities. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners in holding accountable individuals who violate firearms laws.”
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaboration involving federal, state, and local agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI. The initiative aims to reduce violent crime by targeting convicted felons who possess guns illegally.
In December's indictments:
- Antonio Perez Allen, 35, from Augusta is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Jamaughnee Duncan, 25, from Savannah faces the same charge.
- Jakeem Bryant, 29, also from Savannah is similarly charged.
All indicted individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Recent adjudications include:
- Desirae Heinsler, 38, from Eastman was sentenced to 30 months in prison for making a false statement during a firearm purchase. She bought guns in Georgia using false information which were later found illegally possessed in New York.
- Jordan Richardson, 24, from Savannah awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to multiple charges including robbery and illegal firearm possession. He fired shots at a grocery store employee’s vehicle before fleeing with money.
- Jordan Beverly Howard and Joshua Robert Ward from Augusta await sentencing for charges related to illegal firearm possession and drug distribution intent respectively. A search revealed drugs and weapons at their shared residence.
- O’kere Shields from Savannah awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to illegal firearm possession following police discovery during an investigation.
The Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting these cases under federal laws prohibiting certain individuals like felons or unlawful substance users from possessing firearms. Violations include purchasing on behalf of others or providing false information on ATF Form 4473 used for lawful purchases.
For further details on lawful firearm purchasing guidelines provided by ATF: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473