Georgia Man Lied to Buy Gun, Faces Federal Time

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Donald Plemmons, a 45-year-old man from Clyo, Georgia, is facing up to five years in federal prison after admitting he lied on a background check to try and buy a gun. The case, announced by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, highlights the ongoing effort to keep firearms out of the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them.

According to court documents, Plemmons attempted to purchase a firearm in Jacksonville back in March 2023. As part of the transaction, he completed the required ATF Form 4473. On that form, he swore he wasn’t subject to any protective orders related to domestic violence – specifically, restraining orders preventing him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or their children. That was a straight-up lie.

Records show that just two months prior, in January 2023, the Superior Court in Effingham County, Georgia, had issued a protective order against Plemmons. The order specifically barred him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner and their family. He knew about it, but he tried to hide it from the firearms dealer anyway, hoping to skirt the law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office teamed up to investigate the case, quickly uncovering the discrepancy. Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta is prosecuting the case, pushing for a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offense. This isn’t just about a single gun; it’s about a clear disregard for the law and a potential threat to vulnerable individuals.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, focusing on building trust with communities, supporting local violence prevention programs, and targeting enforcement efforts strategically. The goal is simple: safer streets for everyone.

A sentencing date for Donald Plemmons has not yet been set. He’ll have a chance to explain his actions to a judge, but the evidence suggests he deliberately attempted to circumvent the law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the outcome. Expect a stiff penalty; the feds aren’t playing around when it comes to gun crimes.