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Published on January 19, 2025
U.S. Attorney's Office in Southern Georgia Indicts Multiple Defendants on Federal Firearm ChargesSource: Google Street View

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia is cracking down on illegal firearm possession, issuing a slew of indictments against multiple defendants and announcing prison sentences for several others who have pleaded guilty to federal gun charges. As part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed to effectively reduce violent crime, these actions underscore a concerted effort to target those prohibited from carrying guns, including convicted felons.

In a statement provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Jill E. Steinberg expresses the gravity of the initiative: "Removing guns from the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them is a vital part of this office’s effort to fight violent crime." The collaboration has propelled law enforcement partners to resolutely work together to identify and swiftly act against individuals in possession of weapons unlawfully within the community.

Among those indicted in January are Natravien Reshawn Landry, alleged for the premeditated murder of U.S. Army Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr., along with Fitz Kenney Williams, Ruben Alejandro Reyna-Mendoza, and Jarvis Jerrell Giles, all charged with various firearm-related offenses. These defendants stand as presumed innocent until proven otherwise in the court of law.

The U.S. Attorney's Office has also proceeded to delivery justice to those who have made guilty pleas. Lial Stephens, after pointing a gun at a store clerk during robberies, was sentenced to over five years in prison with an additional financial burden through restitution. Meanwhile, Jeremy Studdard is faced to serve 80 months for possessing firearms as a convicted felon and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Others, like Ray Charles Canady III and Kenneth Moultrie Jr., are awaiting sentencing on similar charges.

Under federal law, the possession of firearms is strictly regulated, with certain individuals prohibited from ownership due to factors like felony convictions or illegal substance misuse. The U.S. Attorney's Office continues to enforce these regulations, supporting law enforcement's dedicated efforts to ensure public safety and diminish events of violent crime through the diligent administration of justice.