SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - A recently returned indictment is charging two Savannah residents, along with another individual, with federal firearms charges.
Newly returned indictments alledges that felons illegally possessed firearms, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.
“Illegally possessed firearms increase the likelihood of violent crime in our communities,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners in holding accountable individuals who violate firearms laws.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI collaborated to execute Project Safe Neighborhoods to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.
Those indicted in December include:
- Antonio Perez Allen, 35, of Augusta, was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Jamaughnee Duncan, 25, of Savannah, was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and,
- Jakeem Bryant, 29, of Savannah, was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Two Savannah defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:
- Jordan Richardson, 24, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Richardson fired multiple shots into the vehicle of a Savannah grocery store employee who was taking the day’s receipts to a bank, hitting the driver and a bystander before fleeing with the deposit bag. Richardson, who faces a sentence of up to life in prison, previously was convicted of felonies including illegal gun possession.
- O’kere Shields, 22, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found a pistol in Shields’ residence while investigating a report of gunfire.
Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others.
All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.