Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Break-In, Theft of Firearms
Devante Patterson, a 24-year-old Columbus man, has pleaded guilty to stealing firearms from Shooters of Columbus, a licensed firearms dealer in the city, according to court documents.
On November 24, 2017, Patterson broke into the store, cutting through a locked roll-up door and smashing a glass door to gain entry. He then stole six pistols and three rifles, including two assault weapons, before being caught.
Patterson was later linked to the crime after being encountered by officers at another firearms business. Eight of the nine stolen firearms were recovered, and Patterson faces serious charges for his involvement in the break-in and theft.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer. U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler announced the guilty plea, which was accepted by Chief United States District Judge Clay Land in Columbus on August 21, 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case, and the Columbus Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) investigated the crime. Those with questions about the case can contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at (478) 621-2603.
The reinvigoration of PSN was announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address the rising trend of violent crime in America. The program has been successful in bringing together law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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