Federal authorities in the Southern District of Georgia have returned indictments against multiple individuals on firearms charges. The cases involve allegations of illegal firearm possession by felons, with some defendants already sentenced to federal prison or awaiting further proceedings after guilty pleas.
"Removing guns from the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them is a vital part of this office’s effort to fight violent crime," stated Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. She praised law enforcement efforts in identifying individuals illegally possessing weapons.
The prosecutions are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, involving cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI. This initiative targets convicted felons unlawfully possessing firearms as a measure to reduce violent crime.
Recent indictments include Natravien Reshawn Landry from Abbeville, Louisiana, charged with premeditated murder and use of a firearm during a crime at Fort Eisenhower; Fitz Kenney Williams from Augusta charged with illegal receipt of a firearm; Ruben Alejandro Reyna-Mendoza from Ridgeland charged with possession by a convicted felon; and Jarvis Jerrell Giles from Savannah also charged with possession by a convicted felon. All defendants remain innocent until proven guilty.
Several other defendants have been adjudicated recently. Lial Stephens received 64 months in prison after pleading guilty to robbery charges involving a pistol at convenience stores in Garden City. Jeremy Studdard was sentenced to 80 months for possession by a convicted felon and drug charges following his arrest during traffic stops while out on bond for related state charges.
Ray Charles Canady III awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to robbery and firearm possession during an Augusta convenience store incident where he brandished a gun before fleeing with cash and lottery tickets. Phillip Moore awaits sentencing after being found with a semiautomatic pistol while under arrest for trespassing in Savannah. Kenneth Moultrie Jr., arrested during an April traffic stop in Savannah, also awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to similar charges.
These cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia under federal laws prohibiting certain categories of individuals from possessing firearms or attempting unlawful purchases.
Further information about lawful purchasing can be accessed through ATF resources online at https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473