A Chatham County man has been given a 20-year federal prison sentence for a violent robbery during which a store employee and another worker were shot, according to a recent U.S. Attorney's Office announcement. Jordan Richardson, 25, from Savannah, was sentenced after pleading guilty to three charges: 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.
Details released by the Southern District of Georgia's Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons outlined the events of July 2022 when Richardson attacked the employee outside the Jones Red and White Food Store in Savannah, after which he pursued and shot at the employee's vehicle and wounded two individuals the cash depost bag was subsequently taken, Richardson lead police on a high-speed chase before ultimately being apprehended. In addition to his prison sentence, Richardson is also required to pay $23,793 in restitution and will serve five years of supervised release post-incarceration, in a system where parole is not granted.
During the course of the investigation, a Glock pistol used in the robbery was recovered by authorities. At the time of these criminal activities, Richardson was already on probation for similar offenses, which inevitably was revoked upon the federal charges being brought to bear. Richardson's history of convictions played a significant role in the severity of the sentence issued by Chief U.S. District Judge R. Stan Baker as seen in the case proceedings.
In their efforts to address gun violence, Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons stressed the importance of preventing firearm access to individuals legally barred from possession stating on the U.S. Attorney's Office, "His crime illustrates the importance of keeping our community safe by taking guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them." Paul Brown, FBI Atlanta's Special Agent in Charge, expressed disdain for the reckless endangerment caused by Richardson's actions, insisting that partnerships between local and federal agencies were vital to ensuring such repeat offenders face substantial consequences, as evidenced in this case.
The swift reaction of Savannah law enforcement and federal partnerships were praised by Savannah Chief of Police Lenny B. Gunther, who highlighted the dedication and expertise of all involved as critical to holding Richardson accountable. The case was a collaborative effort between the Savannah Police Department and the FBI, with Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson leading the prosecutorial charge.
