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Savannah Armed Robbery: Two Indicted, Nine Unsealed
Savannah, GA – A brazen daylight robbery of a South State Bank ATM and a string of other gun-related offenses have landed eleven individuals in federal court, facing charges ranging from armed robbery to simple possession of firearms as convicted felons. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia announced the indictments Monday, signaling a renewed push under “Project Safe Neighborhoods” to get guns out of the hands of criminals.
The most immediate case involves Shannan Barnwell, 24, of Savannah, accused of pulling off the September 27th armed robbery of a vendor refilling an ATM. Barnwell is facing charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Interference with Interstate Commerce by Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. This isn’t a victimless crime; it’s a calculated attack on a worker just trying to do their job, and we’ll be watching this case closely.
Alongside Barnwell, Jacob Matthew Miller, 32, of Waynesboro, Ga., was also newly indicted on a single charge of Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon. But the feds aren’t just focusing on new offenses. Nine previously sealed indictments were unsealed this week, revealing a broader pattern of illegal gun activity across the region. Among those named are Robert Richard Hatten, 47, of Oak Park, Ga., facing serious drug and weapons charges: Possession with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.
The list of those unsealed continues with Christopher Nakia Jones, 47, of Swainsboro, Ga., indicted on three counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Ephelius Artavis Brinson Jr., 28, of Hephzibah, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Marijuana; Devonte Malik Jorame, 25, of Aiken, S.C., with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Marijuana. Also named: Trevor Elijah Walker, 24, of Augusta (two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon); Taipai La’Don Brewer, 43, of Augusta (Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon); Titus Nathaniel Travis, 23, of Augusta (Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon); Diemond Dajion Wimberly, 25, of Augusta (Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon); and Deontre Hubert, 28, of Augusta (Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon).
U.S. Attorney David H. Estes made it clear: “The law specifically prohibits previously convicted felons from carrying guns – and it’s abundantly clear that reducing violent crime requires keeping gun-carrying criminals off our streets.” Estes also pointed to a recent change in federal law, increasing the maximum penalty for illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon to 15 years, up from 10, for offenses committed after June 25, 2022. This isn’t about taking guns from law-abiding citizens; it’s about holding repeat offenders accountable.
Over the past four years, the Southern District of Georgia has brought federal charges against over 790 defendants for illegal firearms offenses, the majority being convicted felons caught with guns. These indictments represent a significant push by federal, state, and local law enforcement – including the ATF and FBI – to stem the tide of gun violence in the region. But indictments are just the first step. The Grimy Times will continue to track these cases as they move through the courts, bringing you the unvarnished truth about who is being charged, and what they’re facing. Remember, an indictment is not a conviction; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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