Arthur Gene Young, a repeat offender with a history of violence, has been sentenced in Newnan, Georgia, to 14 years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm while resisting arrest. The incident took place in Bremen, a small city in west Georgia.
“Armed felons cannot be allowed to terrorize the citizens of our district," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He highlighted that the local law enforcement's decision to seek federal assistance after Young's third firearm-related arrest in two years was a prudent move to ensure community safety. Moultrie pledged continued collaboration with law enforcement partners to protect the public from gun violence and repeat offenders.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons commented on the sentence's significance, noting, "The law-abiding citizens of this community are safer because of today’s sentence which will ensure the incarceration of a dangerous criminal and contribute to the restoration of order and peace to this area.” He affirmed the commitment to investigating violent criminals alongside local law enforcement.
Bremen Police Department Lieutenant Joshua Newman emphasized, “The partnership of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies is imperative to help local communities stay safe.” He expressed gratitude to all agencies and officers involved in the case.
According to court records, on May 2, 2023, Young, who had just been released from state prison, committed shoplifting at a pharmacy in Bremen. When confronted by police the next day, he resisted arrest and fled. As officers pursued him, Young, claiming to be armed, resisted arrest on an active train track. A struggle ensued during which an officer discovered and secured a loaded 7.65mm semiautomatic pistol from Young's possession.
Young's criminal history includes convictions for attempted robbery by intimidation and terroristic threats. He was also facing multiple charges from incidents in 2021 and 2022, including attempted armed robbery and felon in possession of a firearm.
The sentence was handed down on April 22, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., following Young's guilty plea during a jury trial. Young, 34, was convicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bremen Police Department, with additional support from other local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Amy M. Palumbo handled the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative focusing on reducing violent crime and gun violence. The project operates on principles centered around community trust, strategic enforcement, and violence prevention.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office.