Keith Pharms, a convicted felon also known as "B-Boy," has been sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for assaulting a federal task force officer with a firearm during a car theft incident in Atlanta. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the danger posed by Pharms, stating, "Pharms is a repeat violent offender who callously threatened the safety of citizens and a law enforcement officer."
Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, highlighted the threat Pharms posed to public safety: "Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer is dangerous and an extreme threat to public safety." He added that Atlanta is safer with Pharms off the streets.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum noted the importance of collaboration among agencies to hold violent offenders accountable. ATF Assistant Special Agent Alicia D. Jones reiterated this sentiment, stressing the ongoing threat of gun violence and ATF's commitment to combating it.
The charges against Pharms stem from an incident on February 24, 2022, when he used his mother's car to steal a Dodge Charger from an Atlanta garage. An FBI task force officer was surveilling the area due to recent car thefts and followed the vehicles involved. During this pursuit, Pharms fired multiple shots at the officer.
Pharms' co-defendants were arrested after abandoning their vehicles but had already pleaded guilty and received sentences before him. While awaiting trial, Pharms was found with contraband cellphones and attempted to intimidate witnesses via social media.
U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee sentenced Pharms following his conviction on multiple charges including assault on a federal officer and possession of contraband.
This case was investigated by several agencies including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Atlanta Police Department under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through community cooperation.
For further information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.