SAVANNAH, GA – Twelve individuals are facing federal charges in the Southern District of Georgia, accused of crimes ranging from armed robbery and large-scale methamphetamine distribution to repeated illegal firearm possession. The indictments, handed down by a grand jury, signal a renewed push by federal authorities to crack down on violent crime and get guns out of the hands of convicted felons.
Leading the charge is Jovonn Courtney Stokes, 26, of Springfield, Ga., facing three counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and three counts of Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Stokes is accused of a string of armed robberies targeting convenience stores across Chatham County in November and December 2022. If convicted, Stokes could face up to 10 years in federal prison for each robbery charge, and an additional mandatory minimum sentence for the firearm offenses.
Beyond the robberies, authorities have also targeted drug trafficking operations. Stacey Vincent, 45, and Felicia Sherrod, 54, both of Douglas, Ga., stand accused of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, along with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Vincent is further charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. This case highlights the frequent intersection of drug dealing and illegal firearms, a dangerous combination authorities are prioritizing.
The indictments don’t stop there. Tavarres L. Freeman Jr., 22, of Augusta, and Todd Joseph Harbuck, 47, of Augusta, are both charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, with Harbuck additionally facing a charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Daquan Minor, 32, of Savannah, Calvin Polite, 35, of Savannah, Arthur Singleton, 46, of Savannah, Alvin York, 47, of Swainsboro, and Kenneth Oliver Riley, 60, of Savannah, all face the same charge – a clear indication of the prevalence of repeat offenders illegally possessing firearms. Desirae Heinsler, 37, of Eastman, Ga., is facing six counts of making false statements during the purchase of firearms, raising questions about straw purchasing schemes.
Rounding out the indictments, Stephan DeWaine Jackson, 27, of Brunswick, Ga., is accused of Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg emphasized that the cases are part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a collaborative effort involving the ATF, FBI, and local law enforcement. Steinberg stated, “Getting guns out of the hands of criminals is an essential element of the fight against violent crime and the disruption of our neighborhoods.” She also noted that federal law now carries a maximum penalty of 15 years for illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon – an increase from 10 years, applicable to offenses committed after June 25, 2022.
Over the past four years, the Southern District of Georgia has federally charged over 800 defendants for illegal firearms offenses. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases as they develop, exposing the underbelly of crime in the South and holding those responsible accountable.
Related Federal Cases
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- Javon Glen Britton, Gunpoint Robbery, Macon GA, 2014 · Illinois
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Press Release
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