COLUMBUS, Ga. – In a major blow to gun trafficking in Columbus, a convicted felon has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for his role in the illicit trade.
Maurice Toney, 47, of Columbus, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Clay Land after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Toney’s lengthy criminal history includes convictions for theft by taking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and habitual violator in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia.
According to court documents, Toney was under surveillance by the ATF during an investigation into gun trafficking in August and September 2020. A confidential informant (CI) purchased 46 grams of methamphetamine from Toney at a Columbus food mart, and then traveled with Toney to purchase multiple firearms, including a 20-gauge, pump-action shotgun and a .38SPL revolver, as well as a semi-automatic rifle.
“Repeat criminal offenders caught in illegal possession of firearms in Columbus will face federal prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to prosecute the most violent and habitual felons that continually disregard the law and disrupt the community.”
“Prohibited individuals in possession of firearms are a danger to our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt, ATF Atlanta Field Division. “We will always work with our partners to identify and prosecute these types of people to make our citizens safer.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the Government.
Related Federal Cases
- Convicted Felon Tyran Harris Sentenced to 2 Years for Gun Possession · Louisiana
- Convicted Felon, Lee Ann Roberts, Indicted for Gun Possession · Georgia
- Convicted Felon Maurice Ridley Caught with Loaded Gun, Faces 10 Years · Georgia
- Brooklyn Gun Runner Tony Terry Charged in Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy · New York
- Bridgeport Man Sentenced for Gun Trafficking Ring · Georgia
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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