In a recent crackdown on crime in Nashville, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Robert E. McGuire, announced that multiple individuals with prior felony convictions have been charged with federal weapons and drug offenses. Among those charged are Carlos J. Rodriguez, 27, George Charles Carter III, 48, and Keontis Jenkins, 28, each facing serious allegations linked to firearms and narcotics, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Tennessee.
"We are ramping up our efforts to protect our community from those who would illegally possess guns and those who would sell drugs," McGuire said, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. These arrests, reaching three in just a matter of days, are poised to firmly put violent criminals on notice, significantly underscoring the resolve of law enforcement to act swiftly against those breaking the law, especially when it involves fentanyl and firearms modifications like Glock switches.
Rodriguez was apprehended following law enforcement's surveillance near a bar on Charlotte Pike, which resulted in the discovery of items suggesting involvement in drug sales. A later incident involving an expired license further implicated Rodriguez, who admitted to owning ammunition despite his felon status due to a prior drug conviction. Carter, after an armed robbery attempt and ensuing high-speed pursuit that nearly resulted in additional accidents, conceded to discarding a bag of drugs during the chase, which police were able to recover along with further narcotics in his possession. With an extensive criminal record that includes Aggravated Assault, he now faces additional charges.
Lastly, Jenkins was arrested on attempted homicide warrants, and a subsequent search revealed a plethora of illegal items, from controlled substances to firearms equipped with machine gun conversion devices. According to law enforcement interviews documented by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Jenkins openly admitted to selling drugs and carrying firearms as a means to safeguard himself during these illicit transactions, despite knowing he was legally barred from possessing any firearms due to his felon status. His confession also included an admission to having shot a customer in a drug deal that went sour.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have been involved in the investigation leading to these charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is assigned to prosecute the cases.
