Joshua Timothy Rex pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of firearms by a convicted felon after law enforcement intercepted him on his way to confront a student at Reinhardt University. The incident could have posed a serious risk to the community had it not been prevented by the timely actions of local authorities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. commented on the situation, stating, "Rex is a repeat violent offender who placed the citizens of Cherokee County and the Reinhardt University community at serious risk by bringing guns to campus in anticipation of an encounter with a student." He expressed relief that law enforcement intervened before Rex could cause harm.
Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons remarked, "Rex posed a serious threat to the public," and emphasized the collaborative efforts of the ATF and law enforcement partners to protect the community.
According to the Acting U.S. Attorney, Joshua Rex is legally barred from possessing firearms due to his previous convictions. Despite this, he was found with two loaded firearms and additional magazines on July 20, 2024, when he was headed to the university. Law enforcement was alerted by a 911 call about Rex's intentions to confront and potentially harm a student.
Officers from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Reinhardt University Department of Public Safety arrested Rex for driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of firearms on campus. Rex later confessed to federal agents that he had armed himself in anticipation of the encounter.
Rex's sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is leading the investigation with assistance from local law enforcement.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice dealing with illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wylly is prosecuting the case. Further information is available from the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office for the Northern District of Georgia.