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Columbus Man with Violent Past Sentenced for Illegal Gun Possession
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Devontae Jammell Morris, 29, of Columbus, is facing over nine years behind bars after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on June 11, sends a clear message: repeat violent offenders will face serious federal consequences for illegally packing heat.
Morris received 115 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. He admitted to the charge on January 29. There’s no early release in the federal system – Morris will serve the entirety of his sentence. The case stems from a November 19, 2022, traffic stop attempt that quickly escalated into a foot chase.
According to court documents, a Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to pull over Morris after his vehicle sped out of a Buena Vista Road parking lot. Morris didn’t comply, leading deputies on a brief pursuit before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing into a store. Found hiding in a bathroom in the back storage area, Morris had a small amount of illegal drugs and a hefty $1,752 in cash on his person. A search of his vehicle revealed a semi-automatic Glock pistol equipped with a TruGlo laser, a standard Glock magazine, an extended magazine, ammunition, and a digital scale – the tools of a dangerous trade.
This wasn’t Morris’s first rodeo with the law. Records show a lengthy rap sheet in Muscogee County Superior Court, including convictions for aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and aggravated battery. It’s illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm, a fact Morris clearly ignored. U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary stated bluntly, “Felons with lengthy violent criminal histories who illegally possess guns can expect federal prosecution and should count on stiff sentences.”
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman echoed that sentiment, stating, “This is a clear example of what happens when a convicted felon is caught possessing a gun. It’s illegal.” He emphasized the ongoing collaboration between local and federal agencies to remove firearms from the hands of violent offenders. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence nationwide.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the government. Expect more federal crackdowns on gun-toting felons in the Middle District of Georgia – the message is clear: play with fire, and you *will* get burned.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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