Keon Hendley, Firearms Trafficking and Cocaine Possession, Georgia 2019

MACON, GA – Macon’s streets are a little less saturated with illegal firepower thanks to a pair of federal convictions this week. Keon Hendley, 35, of Macon, admitted to trafficking firearms and possessing cocaine, while Donta Booze, 39, also of Macon, received a lengthy sentence for simply being a convicted felon with a gun. Both cases fell under the umbrella of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s initiative aimed at stemming gun violence.

Hendley, facing a potential 30 years behind bars (ten for the firearm charge and twenty for the cocaine), entered a guilty plea on Thursday, August 20, before U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self. A sentencing date hasn’t been set. The ATF investigation revealed Hendley, a convicted felon, peddled a staggering 23 firearms, along with methamphetamine and cocaine, to a confidential informant on four separate occasions throughout 2019 across Macon. This wasn’t a small-time operation; it was a full-blown attempt to flood the streets with weapons.

Meanwhile, Donta Booze learned a harsh lesson on Wednesday, August 19, when Judge Self sentenced him to 63 months in federal prison. Booze’s downfall came on April 28, 2018, when Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies attempted a traffic stop for speeding and a faulty tag. Instead of complying, Booze tossed a stolen firearm from his vehicle before being apprehended. A lengthy criminal history already disqualified him from legally possessing a firearm, making his actions a clear violation of federal law. There’s no early release in the federal system; Booze will serve nearly every minute of that sentence.

U.S. Attorney Charles “Charlie” Peeler emphasized the importance of Project Guardian. “Our office is working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to crack down on convicted felons in possession of firearms, ensuring those found breaking federal law are prosecuted and held accountable,” Peeler stated. “This isn’t just about taking guns off the street; it’s about dismantling the networks that put them there.”

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brent Quinn of the ATF echoed that sentiment, highlighting the collaborative effort. “ATF is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate, arrest and prosecute those individuals who use, or unlawfully enable others to use, firearms in the commission of violent crimes,” Quinn said. “Project Guardian is directly in line with ATF’s core mission.” This case underscores the ongoing battle to keep weapons out of the hands of those who would misuse them, a fight that requires a united front.

The investigation, conducted under Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, demonstrates a commitment to reducing violent crime through targeted enforcement and community partnerships. The Department of Justice initiative seeks to identify and prosecute the most dangerous offenders while also investing in prevention and reentry programs. Information about Project Guardian can be found at https://www.justice.gov/archives/projectguardian. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office played a vital role alongside the ATF in bringing these criminals to justice.

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