Henry County Marijuana Grow House Operators Indicted; 10 Charged on Related Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

The United States Attorney’s Office, along with the David G. Wilhelm Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force and the Henry County Police Department announce today (April 8) that 10 individuals have been indicted for alleged drug trafficking and firearms-related crimes stemming from their operation of marijuana grow houses in Henry County. This week, nine of the 10 defendants were arrested and arraigned in United States Magistrate Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “Through the David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force, the U.S. Attorney’s office works with local and state law enforcement agencies to target drug trafficking organizations that impact us locally and regionally. The federal prosecution of this organization for this conspiracy has a direct impact on the local community in Henry County, and regionally in the Northern District of Georgia, by making us all safer through the removal of dangerous grow houses from the community, and by having fewer drugs and guns on the streets.”

Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “The mission of DEA is unwavering—we combat drug trafficking organizations by investigating those who criminally distribute dangerous drugs which cause immeasurable damage to our communities. Today’s enforcement activity is a perfect example of the law enforcement community working together to remove violent criminals from our streets.”

Henry County Police Chief Keith Nichols said, “I appreciate the hard work and dedication that our narcotics unit put into working this case. These indoor grows are a relatively new problem here in Henry County and we are becoming more familiar in working these types of cases. Getting these individuals out of our community is a huge benefit to our law abiding citizens, and I know they appreciate it too. I would also like to thank the federal law enforcement authorities that assisted us with this case, helping bring it to a successful resolution.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: In the fall of 2010, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies began investigating a marijuana grow house organization operating in Henry County and elsewhere. The organization allegedly coordinated the construction of hydroponic marijuana grow houses at four separate locations. Several members of the organization possessed firearms in support of the illegal narcotics trafficking activities. As part of the investigation, in November and December 2010, agents searched four separate marijuana grow house operations in Henry County that were constructed in residential homes with independent grow lighting, irrigation and nutrient systems designed to cultivate and grow marijuana plants for distribution. Agents also searched several of the residences of the defendants. Investigators found that three of the houses had been set up specifically as grow houses, and not to house residents. Those houses were located in Stockbridge, Georgia, at 925 Hemphill Road; 1680 Jodeco Road; and, 436 Hood Road. A fourth house, located at 166 Alexander Drive in McDonough, Georgia, was used as both a residence and a grow house. Items seized during the investigation include 340 plants of marijuana, 52 guns, at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, and over $384,000 in cash.

In March 2011, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment related to this grow house operation, which was unsealed on April 5, 2011, after the arrests. The indictment charges the defendants with various criminal offenses including conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute over 100 plants of marijuana; substantive drug trafficking charges; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Those arrested include:

* JOSHUA MCCULLOUGH, 37, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* JIMMY RAY WHORTON, 56, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* SANDRA WHORTON, 49, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* JAMES MCKENZIE, 29, of McDonough, Georgia;
* KARRY AUTRY, 30, of McDonough, Georgia;
* HOLLY AUTRY, a/k/a “Holly Fritzius,” 27, of McDonough, Georgia;
* BRAIN PREWITT, 33, of Griffin, Georgia;
* PAUL BUNCH, 36, of Stockbridge, Georgia; and
* IRA BUTLER, 46, of Stockbridge, Georgia.

JOSEPH TILLMAN, 41, of Griffin, Georgia, remains at large. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The investigation and prosecution of this case is a coordinated effort with the Henry County Police Department and the David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force, which is comprised of Special Agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the United States Marshal Service (USMS); and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), working with other state and local law enforcement agencies.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Smith and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Brown are prosecuting the case.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

ATF Offers $10k Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire/ -- A reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and convictions of those responsible for a recent firearms armed robbery at Welsh Pawn Shop, a federally licensed gun dealer in Savannah, Ga. was announced today by Gregory K. Gant, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Savannah/Chatham County Crime Stoppers has pledged a reward of up to $2,500 for the arrest of those responsible for the robbery. The owners of Welsh Pawn have also announced an additional reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. This crime has triggered a joint investigation between ATF and the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department.

"The people of Savannah deserve a safe community. Unfortunately, there are a few violent individuals whose illegal activities threaten to diminish our quality of life. Gun thieves play a critical and deadly role in the chain of violence. ATF will continue to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to solve this crime," Gant said.

The armed robbery occurred around 10 a.m., Friday, at the business located at 2800 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, Ga. The suspects walked into the business, asked workers to view a few items, then started shooting. Two clerks were shot and received non life-threatening injuries. The robbers smashed glass cases and removed several items to include six firearms. The clerks could only identify the robbers as two black males, wearing dark clothing and baseball caps.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the subjects involved and providing information on the location of any or all of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or Savannah/Chatham County Crime Stoppers at (912) 234-2020. Callers can remain anonymous.

------
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Carjacking and Firearms Conviction Results in 77-Year Prison Sentence

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Albert Eugene Dunn, age 27, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge, on November 17, 2010, to 924 months (77 years) in federal prison without parole.

Dunn was charged in a seven-count indictment with three counts of carjacking and four counts of federal firearm violations arising from two separate home invasions. The jury trial concluded on May 10, 2010 with Dunn being convicted on all counts.

Evidence presented during the course of the trial revealed that Dunn, with the help of an accomplice, invaded the homes of college students while armed with and using firearms and knives. He demanded valuables and took vehicles belonging to the victims with the intent to cause death and serious bodily injury.

Judge Sands granted the government’s request to impose a harsher sentence than that normally provided for such cases by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, commenting that this sentence was appropriate to provide punishment and to protect the public from future crimes of the defendant.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation sponsored Multi Agency Task Force with Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Tim Davis and Valdosta Police Department’s Sergeant Kari Williams. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Verda Colvin.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Firearms Industry Matches ATF Reward in Norcross Firearms Theft

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – the trade association for the firearms industry – has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a September 17 firearms theft at American Classic Marksman, a federally licensed firearms retailer in Norcross, Ga. The incident has triggered a joint investigation, being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Gwinnett County Police Department. The NSSF reward offer matches a $5,000 reward offered by the ATF.

Steve Sanetti, president of the NSSF, said, "Our matching reward offer will hopefully help assist ATF and local law enforcement in solving this crime against a federally licensed firearms dealer and lead to the swift recovery of stolen firearms before they can enter the illegal underground black market where they can be misused to commit violent crimes."

The matching reward payment by NSSF will be granted only following payment of the initial ATF reward, which is up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crime.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

For any questions about the theft of these firearms, please contact ATF at the number listed above.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

ATF Offers $5K Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at American Classic Marksman, a federally licensed gun dealer in Norcross, Ga. The incident has triggered a joint investigation, being conducted by ATF and the Gwinnett County Police Department.

"We all have a vested interest in arresting those responsible and recovering these stolen guns," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeffery Pearce. "We know that in many instances stolen firearms end up in the hands of violent criminals, who use them to commit additional crimes. Law enforcement is asking for the public's assistance in removing these threats from the community."

The burglary occurred on Sept. 17, at the business located at 5303 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, Ga. Security cameras from within the business filmed one white male subject, make entry into the business and then exit with three firearms. The individual made entry by crawling through duct work and eventually climbing down from the vent/ceiling area of the shooting range. He exited the building through the same entry point.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the subject involved and providing information on the location of any or all of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Hunters Urged to Follow Firearms Safety 10 Commandments

For the 2009-2010 hunting season, Georgia reported 45 hunting incidents, 14 of which involved firearms. With the upcoming Oct. 16 opening of firearms deer hunting season, hunters are encouraged to review the ‘Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety’ before heading to the woods.

“Ultimately, each hunter is responsible for keeping themselves and others safe while pursuing deer this hunting season,” says Walter Lane, Hunter Development Program Manager of the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “This includes respecting all firearms and being absolutely certain of their target.”

The ‘Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety’ is an excellent safety checklist, covered in all hunter education courses and well worth a review by any hunter who utilizes firearms to hunt. The commandments are as follows:

One:  Control the direction of the firearm’s muzzle. Keep the safety on and fingers off the trigger at all times until ready to shoot.

Two:  Identify the target and what is beyond it before shooting. Know the identifying features of the game hunted and be absolutely certain that what you are aiming at is that game.

Three:  Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

Four:  Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that only the proper size ammunition is used in the firearm.

Five:  Always unload a firearm when it is not in use, leave the actions open, and carry empty firearms in a case to and from shooting areas.

Six:  Never aim a firearm at anything that you do not intend to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm.

Seven:  Never climb a tree or fence, or jump a ditch or log, with a loaded firearm. Never pull a firearm towards you by the muzzle.

Eight:  Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or at water. Make sure backstops are adequate during target practice.

Nine:  Store firearms and ammunition separately and beyond the reach of children and careless adults.

Ten:  Avoid all alcoholic beverages and drugs before and during shooting.

For more information on firearms safety, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com or contact the Wildlife Resources Division’s Hunter Education office at (770) 388-0045.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

ATF Offers $5K Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division, today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and convictions of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at Kemp's Pharmacy, a federal firearm licensee in Claxton, Ga. The incident has triggered a multi-jurisdictional investigation, being conducted by ATF, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Evans County Sheriff's Office and the Claxton Police Department.

"Gun thieves play a critical and deadly role in the chain of violence, and ATF places a major emphasis on solving these crimes," said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Gant. "Investigative experience has shown that felons, gang members and juveniles are some of the most common customers for stolen guns in the underground economy of our streets. When guns fall into the wrong hands, the potential for violence increases. Solving this crime will be a team effort, among law enforcement and concerned members of the public."

The early morning burglary occurred on Saturday, June 12 at the business, located at 107 S. Duval St., Claxton, Ga. At approximately 12:50 a.m., the store's security system alerted owners and law enforcement to the burglary. The thieves made entry by smashing the front glass door of the business with a large, metal 55-gallon barrel. Once inside, they smashed two glass display cases and were able to steal a total of 26 handguns and an AK-47 style rifle. Security cameras from an adjacent business filmed two black male subjects fleeing on foot from Kemp's Pharmacy at the time of the theft.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the subjects involved and providing information on the location of any or all of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

------
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Carjacking and Firearms Conviction

Albert Eugene Dunn, age 26 of Valdosta, Georgia, was found guilty on May 10,2010 after a five-day federal jury trial in Valdosta, Georgia. Dunn was convicted on three counts of carjacking and four counts of federal firearm violations which involved two separate home invasions.

The evidence introduced at trial showed that Dunn, with the help of an accomplice, invaded the homes of college students through the use of firearms and knives. He then demanded valuables and took vehicles belonging to the victims with the intent to cause death and serious bodily injury. In one instance, the jury found that the intended serious bodily injury included Dunn causing another person to engage in a sexual act by using force. The Honorable Louis Sands, U.S. District Judge, presided over the trial. Sentencing will be scheduled by the Court at a later date.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Firearms Industry Matches ATF Reward in Woodstock Firearms Theft

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association for the firearms industry -- has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for the recent theft of 24 firearms from Pannell's Firearms, located at 10102 Main Street in Woodstock, Ga. The case is being jointly investigated by ATF special agents and Cherokee Sheriff's Office (CSO) investigators. The NSSF reward offer matches a $5,000 reward offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Steve Sanetti, president of the NSSF, said, "Our matching reward offer will hopefully help assist ATF and local law enforcement in solving this crime against a federally licensed firearms dealer and lead to the swift recovery of stolen firearms before they can enter the illegal underground black market where they can be misused to commit violent crimes."

The matching reward payment by NSSF will be granted only following payment of the initial ATF reward, which is up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crime.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the suspects and providing information on the location of any of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 770-928-0239. Callers can remain anonymous.

For any questions about the theft of these firearms, please contact ATF at the numbers listed above.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Reward Offered for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division today (May 6) announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at Pannell's Firearms, located at 10102 Main Street in Woodstock, Ga. The case is being jointly investigated by ATF special agents and Cherokee Sheriff's Office (CSO) investigators.

The early morning burglary occurred at Pannell's Firearms and Range, a federal firearms licensee (FFL), on Tuesday, April 27. Store security video shows two subjects approaching the business at 3:15 a.m. Once inside, they are seen smashing glass countertops and placing firearms into bags before fleeing the area. In approximately one minute, the suspects were able to steal a total of 24 firearms.

"Investigating firearms thefts from federally licensed gun dealers is a top priority for ATF," said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Gant. "We all have a vested interest in arresting those responsible and recovering these stolen guns. Solving this crime will be a team effort among ATF, the Cherokee Sheriff's Office and concerned members of the public."

Sheriff Roger Garrison said, "We are pleased that ATF has offered a reward to assist in this investigation. I strongly encourage anyone with any information related to this incident or the suspects involved to come forward."

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the suspects and providing information on the location of any of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 770-928-0239. Callers can remain anonymous.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Fulton County Deputy Sheriff Indicted on Corruption, Drug, and Firearm Offenses

ANTHONY C. ATWATER, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia, a deputy with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on corruption, drug, and firearm offenses. ATWATER is scheduled to make his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “In exchange for cash payments, this deputy sheriff allegedly provided protection for drug deals. He chose to protect suspected drug dealers rather than protect the public. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and prosecute corrupt public officials at all levels of government who abuse their positions to line their own pockets.”

FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Mazanec said, “It is paramount that the public maintain the highest level of trust in the law enforcement officers charged with protecting the citizens of Fulton County. These charges serve as a reminder that nobody is above the law, and that the FBI is committed to work with all parts of the law enforcement community to prevent the erosion of public trust that accompany such incidents.”

Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson said, “When an officer who has taken the oath to serve and protect violates the law, it tarnishes and damages the reputations of those who are committed to doing the right thing. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office has been aware of this investigation since January and has cooperated fully with the FBI and will continue to do so. This deputy was arrested by the FBI, during roll call this morning, sending a message that criminal behavior of any type will not be tolerated. This does not reflect on the many men and women who put their lives on the line for public safety on a daily basis.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the indictment and evidence presented in court: Between January and March 2010, ATWATER, in exchange for $4,000 in cash payoffs, used his position as a sheriff's deputy to provide armed protection for alleged drug dealers. The indictment alleges that on two separate occasions, January 23, 2010, and March 12, 2010, ATWATER attempted to aid and abet drug deals involving cocaine. In each instance, he knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Hephzibah Man Charged with Being a Career Criminal in Possession of Stolen Firearm

Edmund A. Booth, Jr., United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that the federal grand jury sitting in Savannah has returned a two count indictment against Bobby Lee Roberson, age 45, of Hephzibah, Georgia, charging him under the Armed Career Criminal Act with being a felon in possession of a stolen firearm.

Booth stated that the charges in the indictment relate to the February 18, 2008 shooting in the West Lake neighborhood of Martinez, Georgia that was reported in news coverage at the time. Also as reported by news media, the defendant evaded law enforcement officials on this matter until he was arrested on July 27, 2009.

Booth noted that if convicted under the Armed Career Criminal Act, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of possessing a stolen firearm, the defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of ten years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. An initial appearance and arraignment date has not yet been set.

Booth explained that this case is part of the district’s Project Ceasefire initiative, a program devoted to reducing gun violence by prosecuting individuals found in possession of firearms who cannot legally possess them, such as felons and drug dealers.

Booth emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Ronald Rhodes conducted the investigation which led to the indictment. Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Brian Ozden led the federal efforts to apprehend Roberson while he was a fugitive. The government is represented in this case by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Stewart.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Georgia Man Convicted of Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence

Edmund A. Booth, Jr., United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that Calvin Lee Stevenson, Jr., indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2008, was convicted February 19 following a three day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Augusta of Conspiracy to Rob a Credit Union, Armed Robbery of a Credit Union, Carjacking and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.

The evidence at trial showed that in December, 2007 that Stevenson conspired with other individuals to rob the Richmond Community Federal Credit Union located at EZGO on Marvin Griffin Road in Augusta and that Stevenson carried out the plan when he and two other co-defendants robbed the credit union of more than $30,000 in December, 2007. It was further proven by the evidence that immediately prior to the armed robbery that Stevenson and others carjacked a 74 year old victim and then used the carjacked vehicle during the commission of the armed robbery.

Booth stated that Stevenson now faces 5 years in prison for the conspiracy conviction, 25 years in prison for the armed robbery conviction, 15 years in prison for the carjacking conviction, and a mandatory minimum of 35 years in prison for the firearms convictions. Booth noted that a sentencing date will be scheduled following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation and report.

The investigation involved the cooperative efforts of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; The government is being represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Patricia Green Johnson and Stephen Inman.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Firearm Sales Continue Upward in January

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite a weak economy and slumping retail sales, firearm sales continued to increase in January, continuing an upswing that began after November's election.

Data from the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) show background checks on the sale of firearms jumped 28.8 percent in January when compared to January 2008. The increase follows a 24 percent rise in December and a 42 percent jump in November, when a record 1,529,635 background checks were performed.

FBI background checks are required under federal law for all individuals purchasing firearms from federally licensed retailers. These checks serve as a strong indicator of actual sales.

"Since the election, sales of firearms -- in particular handguns and semi-automatic hunting and target rifles -- are fast outpacing inventory," said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry. "Americans are clearly concerned about their ability to be able to purchase these products in an uncertain future."

NICS reported 1,213,885 checks in January, up from 942,556 in the same month a year ago. Last year, a total of 12,709,023 background checks were reported, up 14 percent from 2007.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Sunday, November 30 Marks 15th Anniversary of Signing of the Brady Bill

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sunday, November 30 marks 15 years since President Bill Clinton signed the Brady Bill after an eight-year legislative struggle. Since the bill became law, more than 1.6 million criminals, stalkers and court-adjudicated mentally ill persons have been stopped from purchasing a firearm.

The Brady Center will issue an informational report Sunday morning on the law. The report, called Brady Background Checks: 15 Years of Saving Lives, details the Brady Law's long record of success.

"This is a happy anniversary, but a reminder that we need to do more," said Sarah Brady, Chair of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

"Every day, Brady criminal background checks help save lives, reduce gun crime, and keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people," said Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Center.

"Though just one of a handful of federal gun laws on the books, Americans can take pride in the Brady Law as a prime example of how strong gun laws work to protect our communities and our families," Helmke said. "But while we celebrate the Brady Law's huge success, we also must remember that too many sales - from so-called 'private sellers' at gun shows, through classified ads and by word of mouth - still don't require background checks," Helmke said.

The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence is a national non-profit organization working to reduce the tragic toll of gun violence in America, through education, research, and legal advocacy. The programs of the Brady Center complement the legislative and grassroots mobilization of its sister organization, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

ATF Offers Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division, and Jasper, Ga., Police Department today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at the Bargain Barn, located at 3622 Camp Road in Jasper, Ga.

The early morning burglary occurred at the Bargain Barn, a sporting goods store and federal firearms licensee (FFL), on Saturday, Nov. 8. Video surveillance footage shows three masked suspects running through the store smashing display cases and stuffing the firearms into bags before exiting the premises. In less than two minutes, the suspects were able to steal a total of 40 firearms to include 36 semi-automatic pistols and six rifles.

"Theft of firearms from licensed gun dealers is a top priority for ATF," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeff Pearce. "We all have a vested interest in arresting those responsible and recovering the stolen guns. Solving this crime will be a team effort among ATF, the Jasper Police Department and concerned members of the public."

"It's clear that a burglary of a gun dealer is unlike any other commercial theft," said Jasper Police Chief Harold Cantrell. "We need to prevent these stolen firearms from falling into the hands of felons, gang members and juveniles before violent crime and tragedy results."

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the suspects or providing information on the location of the stolen firearms.

Anyone with information in helping to solve this crime is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Jasper Police Department by contacting Detective Gleason at (404) 317-2532. Callers can remain anonymous.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Firearms Law Study Committee kicks off August 12

State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) and the members of the Senate Firearms Law Study Committee will hold a meeting in Atlanta at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2008, in Room 450 of the State Capitol. The study panel will meet to take a comprehensive look at Georgia’s complex firearms laws and possible recommendations of new legislation for the 2009 session.

“Ensuring Georgian’s right to protect themselves, as the Constitution provides, is vitally important to the legislature,” said Sen. Seabaugh. “This study committee will help clarify and make positive changes to Georgia’s gun laws, so that citizens can maintain their Constitutional rights and sense of security.”

Created by Senate Resolution 819, the Firearms Law Study Committee will closely examine Georgia’s firearms law and the way these laws are applied in our state. The Committee will be chaired by Sen. Seabaugh, and includes Senators Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), Don Balfour (R-Snellville) and David Adelman (D-Atlanta). The Committee will make a report of its findings, with proposals for any new legislation by January 31, 2009.