Toomsboro Felon Pleads Guilty to Armed Stand-Off

MACON, Ga. – A frightening encounter with a violent offender has concluded with Christopher T. Ford, 57, of Toomsboro, facing serious federal charges. The 57-year-old pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm during a tense stand-off with law enforcement officials.

Ford’s history of violence came to the forefront on December 20, 2022, when Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at his residence to execute an arrest warrant for terroristic threats. The encounter escalated as Ford threatened officers with a loaded shotgun and vowed retribution, only to be apprehended the following day.

According to court documents, Ford expressed a desire for “suicide by police” and acknowledged that as a convicted felon, he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms. His father played a crucial role in taking the weapon from him while he was sleeping.

Ford’s previous convictions include possession of cocaine, terroristic threats, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children. The maximum sentence he faces is 15 years in federal prison, followed by at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

“Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms; our office will seek federal prosecution against people who disregard the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary, underscoring the Department of Justice’s commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and its goal to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

“Wilkinson County is safer now that guns are out of the hands of this person,” stated FBI Atlanta’s Robert Gibbs. “We are committed to working with all our partners to curb violence across Georgia and the nation.” The Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) also emphasized its dedication to reducing violent crime through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.

This case is part of the PSN program, which aims to foster trust in communities, support prevention efforts, and prioritize strategic enforcement. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, GBI, and Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, with Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes leading the prosecution for the Government.