Marcus Thomas, a convicted felon, has been sentenced to federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented on the case, stating, "Thomas was released from state prison only a few days before he illegally obtained a firearm and indiscriminately shot through a motel window, endangering the lives of others within the community." He emphasized that efforts by law enforcement partners ensure that violent repeat offenders like Thomas face justice.
FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke described Thomas as "a dangerous felon who resumed his criminal activity shortly after being released from prison," adding that the FBI and law enforcement partners are committed to bringing criminals to justice.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum highlighted the risk posed by Thomas's actions: "The reckless and dangerous actions of Marcus Thomas put innocent lives at risk, and this case exemplifies the Atlanta Police Department’s unwavering commitment to working with our federal partners to remove violent offenders from our streets."
On July 1, 2022, officers from the Atlanta Police Department responded to reports of shots fired at a Travel Inn on Forest Hills Drive in Atlanta. Witnesses identified Marcus Thomas as having a firearm outside his motel room before hearing gunshots. Officers found evidence of gunfire and detained Thomas. They later discovered ammunition in his room and recovered the firearm used in the shooting hidden inside a mattress.
The investigation revealed that Thomas had recently served time for aggravated assault and was released just four days before the incident. His criminal history includes convictions for terroristic threats, possession of cocaine, and theft by receiving stolen property.
U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty sentenced Marcus Thomas, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, to three years and one month in prison followed by three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty on August 28, 2024.
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Thomas M. Forsyth III and is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
For more information about this case or PSN initiatives, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.