Christopher Jones, Illegal Firearm, Augusta GA, 2022
AUGUSTA, GA – Christopher Fitzgerald Jones, 35, of Augusta, is facing up to a decade behind bars after a federal jury found him guilty of illegally packing heat. The conviction, handed down in U.S. District Court, centers around a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol discovered in Jones’ back pocket during an attempted arrest in October 2021. Jones, already a convicted felon, knew full well he wasn’t supposed to have a gun, according to court proceedings.
The bust went down when Richmond County Sheriff’s Office investigators moved to execute a felony warrant on Jones. Instead of cooperating, Jones peeled away from a surveillance location in his vehicle. He didn’t get far. Investigators pursued, and Jones abruptly stopped, stepping out to confront them. It was then they discovered the firearm, a clear violation of federal law for someone with his criminal history.
U.S. Attorney David H. Estes didn’t mince words, stating, “Convicted felons perpetuate violent crime in our communities by illegally carrying guns. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to remove these criminals from our streets.” The prosecution highlighted Jones’ existing rap sheet, which includes convictions for domestic violence and prior illegal gun possession – a pattern of disregard for the law.
The case was a joint operation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Atlanta Field Office, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts. “Illegal firearm possession in our communities is dangerous and damaging,” Kolodka said, “ATF will remain in lockstep with our local, state and federal partners in our continuing effort to combat violent crime.”
Jones’ defense didn’t dispute the fact he knew he wasn’t allowed to possess a firearm. The focus was presumably on mitigating circumstances, but clearly, the jury wasn’t swayed. He now awaits sentencing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall, after a pre-sentence investigation is completed by U.S. Probation Services. Expect a lengthy stay in a federal penitentiary.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry W. Syms Jr. and Michael Spitulnik prosecuted the case for the United States. This conviction serves as a stark reminder that federal agencies are actively targeting individuals who flout gun laws, particularly those with a history of violence. The streets of Augusta are a little safer, but the fight against illegal firearms is far from over.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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