SAVANNAH, GA – A wave of federal indictments and sentencing announcements out of the Southern District of Georgia reveals a relentless push to get illegal guns and narcotics off the streets. The ATF, working alongside the Department of Justice and other agencies, is targeting repeat offenders and new players alike in a bid to stem the tide of violence plaguing communities across the state.
The most recent indictments center around a string of brazen crimes. Lial Stephens, 28, of Pooler, Ga., is facing serious charges of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Investigators say Stephens allegedly committed armed robberies in September and November of 2023 at a Garden City, Ga., convenience store. If convicted, Stephens could face a lengthy prison sentence. Alongside Stephens, Cornelius Denzel Butler, a/k/a “Juice,” 30, of Baxley, Ga., is accused of running drugs and illegally carrying a firearm – specifically, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Marijuana, along with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
The crackdown isn’t limited to those allegedly involved in major crimes. Several individuals were indicted for simply possessing firearms despite prior felony convictions. Raquan Williams, 23, of Savannah, is charged with False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm, and Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment. Keith Javon Johnson, 31, of Savannah, Richard Bruce Salyer Jr., 48, of Forsyth, Ga., and Eddie Robertson, 30, of Savannah, all face charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Also indicted is O’kere Shields, 22, of Savannah, also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort. “Reducing violent crime in our communities requires a collaborative effort with our law enforcement partners to remove illegally possessed firearms from our streets,” Steinberg stated. “Active prosecution of these cases also discourages others from illegally using guns.” The cases are being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program designed to target convicted felons illegally possessing firearms.
The court has already handed down significant sentences in several firearms cases. Jacques B. Pope, 32, of Savannah, received a 120-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon – a repeat offense, according to investigators. Karron L. Shuman, 36, of Savannah, will spend 86 months behind bars after pleading guilty to the same charge; police found the weapon during a traffic stop. Dennis Mitchell, 51, of Brunswick, Ga., received 37 months for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, also discovered during a traffic stop.
Others are awaiting sentencing. Jakobian Sentell Jones, 25, of Warrenton, Ga., pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine. Troopers found a revolver and narcotics during a traffic stop. Zanuck Lorenzo Berry, 43, of Martinez, Ga., also awaits sentencing after admitting to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The relentless pace of arrests and convictions signals a continuing commitment to tackling gun violence and drug trafficking in the Southern District of Georgia.
Related Federal Cases
- Eric Colbert Sentenced to 257 Months for Armed Bank Robbery, Albany… · Pennsylvania
- Recco Roger Collins, Armed Bank Robbery, Albany GA, 2014 · Pennsylvania
- Javon Glen Britton, Gunpoint Robbery, Macon GA, 2014 · Illinois
- Vivek Ramaswamy Rejects VP Offer, Focusing on Presidential Ambition… · Florida
- Teamsters Union Avoids Strike with UPS, Labor Agreement, United Sta… · Florida
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News