Mark Antonio Sanders, Gun Possession, Georgia 2019

ATLANTA, GA - In a disturbing case of repeat gun crime, Mark Antonio Sanders, 50, of Atlanta, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Sanders' history of violent crime dates back to 2004 when he was convicted federally for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The latest charges stem from a May 6, 2017, incident where Sanders allegedly struck a victim on the side of his face with a firearm and then shot him through the top of his foot.

On May 30, 2017, Atlanta Police Department officers spotted Sanders a few blocks from the scene of the shooting and led him on a foot chase during which he briefly hid behind the 'Welcome to East Atlanta' sign. Once apprehended, officers discovered a loaded Jiminez Arms 9mm pistol with a scratched-off serial number hidden behind the sign.

Sanders pleaded guilty to the charges on April 30, 2019. According to U.S. Attorney Byung J. 'BJay' Pak, repeat offenders who possess firearms pose a significant threat to public safety.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Irina Dutcher prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The PSN program focuses on prosecuting violent offenders and fostering partnerships between law enforcement and community leaders to prevent future crimes.

Sanders will serve the seven-year prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Atlanta Police Department.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia can be reached at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/repeat-offender-sentenced-prison-second-federal-firearm-conviction