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Felons Caught with Guns and Drugs in Georgia Bust
Savannah, GA – Multiple defendants have been indicted on federal charges for firearms and drug trafficking in the Southern District of Georgia. The cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime.
“In addition to taking guns out of the hands of convicted felons, these cases also demonstrate the increased danger posed by the growing number of illegal machine guns on the streets,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify and remove these illegal weapons from our communities.”
The defendants, who are considered innocent until proven guilty, include:
Jordan Richardson, 24, of Savannah, charged with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
Tavare Vashawne Ragin, 43, of Columbus, Ga., and Wesley Earl Wilson, 33, of Thomson, Ga., both charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Ragin also is charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Malik Havier McKenzie, 26, of Savannah, charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine, Carfentanyl, and Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Machine Gun; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Other defendants include Duane B. Smith, 50, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Anthony McQuarters, 31, of Hardeeville, S.C., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Stolen Firearms; and eight others facing similar charges.
In addition to the indicted defendants, several others have recently been sentenced on federal firearms charges. Jamell Williams, 44, of Savannah, was sentenced to 80 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Akeem Ajmia Lanier, 36, of Metter, Ga., was sentenced to 77 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia will continue to work with law enforcement partners to identify and remove illegal weapons from the community.
The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime in Georgia.
“We will continue to work together to make our communities safer,” said Steinberg. “These cases demonstrate the impact of our efforts to remove guns and drugs from the streets.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia urges anyone with information about these cases or other violent crime to contact the office at (912) 201-2500.
About the U.S. Attorney’s Office
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia serves the communities of the Southern District of Georgia, which includes the cities of Savannah, Brunswick, and Valdosta. The office is committed to reducing violent crime and protecting the public through the enforcement of federal law.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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