A Georgia man with a history of aggravated assault and drug convictions has been handed a lengthy prison sentence for firearm possession, authorities stated. Ricky Hill, 39, from Lakeland, was sentenced to 130 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Sands ruled on Jan. 29, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office announcement.
During a traffic stop on the night of Sept. 16, 2024, initiated for driving without proper lighting, Hill attempted to elude police, resulting in a car crash and his eventual arrest. Law enforcement discovered a stolen Glock firearm and additional ammunition in Hill's vehicle – possessions deemed illegal due to his status as a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes was quoted, "Convicted felons with violent criminal histories who are caught with illegal firearms will be prosecuted federally, where there is no parole," as mentioned in the press release.
The prosecution of Hill falls under Operation Take Back America, a national program spearheaded by the Department of Justice aiming to curb illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and protect communities from violent crime. The ATF and Valdosta Police Department were involved in the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels leading the government's case. U.S. Attorney Keyes highlighted the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement as a key factor in targeting repeat offenders in possession of stolen firearms.
Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan commended the partnership that led to Hill's sentencing, saying, "We are grateful to the United States Attorney’s Office for their steadfast partnership and persistence in cases like this one. Their commitment to pursuing federal charges against violent offenders who are illegally in possession of firearms, sends a clear message that this type of dangerous behavior will not be tolerated in our community.” Her department's determination, along with the diligent efforts of the ATF, underscores a collective aim towards public safety and holds individuals responsible for their illicit actions, as noted in the same press release.
