A Central Georgia man with a history of criminal activity was recently sentenced to a substantial prison term for illegal firearm possession. Dormaine Mitchell, 39, from Milledgeville, Georgia faced the law's firm hand receiving 140 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, according to statements made by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Tuesday, as reported by the Department of Justice.
Found guilty at trial of having a firearm despite his status as a convicted felon, Mitchell's prior record includes an aggravated assault conviction. Body cam footage revealed a Baldwin County deputy, during a traffic stop where Mitchell was observed driving haphazardly on Oct. 13, 2022, discovered the pistol with an extended magazine. Describing the incident, the officer pulled their weapon after seeing Mitchell reach toward the gun, while ordered to maintain his hands on the steering wheel, the U.S. Attorney's Office disclosed.
U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes emphasized the gravity of repeat offenders possessing firearms, stating, “Repeat offenders convicted of violent crimes have no business carrying a gun. Felons who illegally possess firearms will be federally prosecuted for breaking the law and endangering others.” He acknowledged the risks law enforcement take daily and expressed gratitude for their dedication to public safety, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka of the ATF's Atlanta Field Division pointed out the inherent danger posed by a prohibited person in possession of stolen firearms, and praised the swift response of law enforcement officers for securing a peaceful resolution to what could have been a volatile interaction. The case is a part of the broader initiative Operation Take Back America, which focuses on combating illegal immigration, cartels, and violent crime across the nation.
Noted for the part he repeatedly caused in the community, Mitchell's criminal behavior led Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee to appreciate the federal attention, ensuring accountability. In partnership with the ATF, the Milledgeville Police Department, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office jointly investigated the case, paving the way to Mitchell's prosecution and subsequent conviction.
