Joseph Brandon Melton, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Georgia 2020
SAVANNAH, GA: Joseph Melton, a 30-year-old member of the Ghost Face Gangsters, has been sentenced to 71 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Melton, of Waycross, was on probation for a prior state felony conviction at the time of his arrest on January 23, 2020. He was found to be in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, which he is not legally allowed to possess due to his prior conviction.
“Joseph Melton’s extensive criminal record and participation in a violent gang makes it abundantly clear that he is a danger to the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. “In coordination with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to bring to justice those who threaten the safety of our citizens.”
Melton will also serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Meanwhile, other defendants in the Southern District of Georgia are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to felony charges in U.S. District Court.
Gary Hamiter Joye Jr., 36, of Augusta, has pleaded guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. He was found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine, along with drug sales paraphernalia and $3,000 in cash, on September 9, 2020.
Jonah Robert Schafner, 33, of Grovetown, has been sentenced to 108 months in prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He is currently facing an additional five years in prison for Escape from Custody, after he escaped from the Jefferson County Jail while awaiting transfer to federal prison.
The following defendants have also pleaded guilty to felony charges:
Letrail Jerome West, 42, of Augusta, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Newman Everette Tryon, 38, of Savannah, for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Jamerson Brandon Turner, 28, of Augusta, for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Tron Smith, 34, of Savannah, for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Chance Derrell Christian, 32, of Kingstree, S.C., for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Delvon Brown, 35, of Savannah, for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Zachary Brent Sadler, 27, of Augusta, for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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