Joshua Timothy Rex, with a history of felony drug convictions and a prior domestic violence charge on his record, has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of firearms, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia. The conviction stems from an incident on July 20, 2024, when Rex was stopped by law enforcement as he arrived at Reinhardt University, armed and apparently seeking to confront a student.
In the words of Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., "Rex is a repeat violent offender who placed the citizens of Cherokee County and the Reinhardt University community at serious risk." He praised the swift action of law enforcement officers to promptly and effectively intercept Rex upon his arrival on campus. The urgent response was triggered by a 911 call alerting authorities that Rex intended to possibly inflict harm, which saw both Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Reinhardt University's Department of Public Safety personnel quickly engage to prevent a potentially dangerous encounter.
The collaborative efforts of local and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, contributed to the successful apprehension and later admission by Rex about his motivated arming for a supposed encounter at the university. Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons highlighted the gravity of the threat Rex posed, commending all involved parties for their commitment to community safety.
Rex is now scheduled to face sentencing on July 9, 2025. The ongoing investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative designed to address illegal immigration, undermine the influence of cartels, and combat violent crime. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wylly is leading the prosecution efforts, with the case being investigated for its possible ties to broader criminal initiatives.
Further inquiries regarding the case can be directed to the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office, as noted in their recent press release. With the community's safety held in highest regard, the case against Rex demonstrates the unwavering resolve of federal and local partnerships in confronting threats posed by repeat offenders and safeguarding public spaces from incidents of violence.
