Keith Pharms, a previously convicted felon known as "B-Boy," has been sentenced to federal prison for assaulting a federal task force officer with a firearm during a car theft incident in Atlanta.
"Pharms is a repeat violent offender who callously threatened the safety of citizens and a law enforcement officer," stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. He commended the collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement partners in protecting communities from dangerous criminals.
The FBI's Acting Special Agent in Charge, Sean Burke, emphasized the threat posed by individuals who assault law enforcement officers, stating, "Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer is dangerous and an extreme threat to public safety." He noted that no one was injured during Pharms' actions.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum highlighted the importance of collaboration among agencies to hold violent offenders accountable and protect neighborhoods from gun violence. "Working with our partners is vital to ensure justice is served and Atlanta remains a safe place for everyone," he said.
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Jones remarked on the ongoing threat of gun violence and affirmed ATF's commitment to working alongside partners to dismantle violent criminal activity.
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, Pharms used his mother's Chevrolet SS to steal a Dodge Charger from a midtown Atlanta garage on February 24, 2022, eight days after his release from state prison in Georgia. An 18-year-old co-defendant drove the Chevy while another accomplice, Jokava Harris, used a key programmer to steal the Charger. The two vehicles were later observed by an FBI task force officer conducting surveillance due to recent car thefts in the area.
As Pharms fired multiple shots at the pursuing officer's vehicle, narrowly missing him, he continued trailing them until realizing they were preparing an ambush around a curve in the road. The stolen vehicles were eventually found abandoned by Atlanta Police Department officers.
Pharms was later arrested along with his co-defendants who pleaded guilty and received their sentences earlier. While awaiting trial under U.S. Marshals Service custody, Pharms possessed contraband cellphones and posted sensitive information about witnesses on social media using one device; authorities also discovered a handcuff key inside his cell.
U.S. District Judge J.P Boulee sentenced Keith Pharms to over 15 years imprisonment followed by three years supervised release after being convicted on charges including assaulting a federal officer with intent using firearms during crimes involving violence possession contraband cellphones possession escape tools September this year jury verdict concluded investigations led Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI), U S Marshals Service (USMS) assisted Bureau Alcohol Tobacco Firearm Explosives ATF .
Assistant U.S Attorneys Joseph Plummer Jessica C Morris prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods PSN initiative which unites all levels law enforcements aim reduce crime through fostering trust legitimacy community engagement strategic focused priorities results measurement strategies announced May last year department strengthen core principles reducing preventing occurrences ensuring neighborhood safety nationwide programs .
Further inquiries directed toward United States Attorneys Public Affairs Office via email USAGAN PressEmails@usdoj gov telephone number provided above mentioned site address http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga official webpage northern district Georgia respective offices .