Feds Crack Down on Gun-Toting Felons in Georgia

SAVANNAH, GA – In a crackdown on gun-toting felons, multiple defendants in Georgia have been indicted on federal charges for firearms and drug offenses. The indictments are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, those indicted include Joshua Robert Ward, 44, and Jordan Beverly Howard, 37, both of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Methamphetamine and Heroin; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Others indicted include Darnell Harold Miller, 25, of Savannah, charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number; and Anthony Orlando Jones, 34, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Previously indicted defendants include Howard Barkley, a/k/a “T-Bone,” 46, and Johnny Porter Sr., a/k/a “Unc,” 71, both of Waycross, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and other drug charges, while Porter also is charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.

“Keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited to possess them is vital in preventing violent crime in our community,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our citizens from illegal firearms.”

Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include Joshua Green, 35, of Ridgeland, S.C., who was sentenced to 77 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Others awaiting sentencing include Unique Haynes, 26, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jamario D. Owens, 24, of Savannah, both charged with federal firearms and drug offenses.