A Bahamian fugitive and a Georgia jail escapee have been sentenced to federal prison for gun-related charges, following separate investigations under Project Safe Neighborhoods in the Middle District of Georgia.
Byron Bradley Demeritte, a 31-year-old Bahamian citizen living in Lithonia, Georgia, received a sentence of 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Demeritte pleaded guilty to possessing a machinegun on August 26, 2024.
Chavis Stokes, also 31 and from Macon, was sentenced to 96 months in prison with an additional three years of supervised release. He admitted guilt to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon on October 9, 2024. Stokes will serve his federal sentence consecutively to his existing state sentences.
U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell oversaw both cases. "Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize federal prosecutions against illegally armed, dangerous criminals," stated U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. "I salute the excellent investigative and prosecutorial work in these Project Safe Neighborhoods cases, which endeavor to make our communities safer."
Demeritte's case involved Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies stopping him on I-75 for improper license plate and erratic driving on May 3, 2023. During the stop, officers detected marijuana odor and discovered six firearms inside a backpack belonging to Demeritte's passenger after he attempted to flee but was apprehended nearby.
Stokes was located by the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) after escaping from Bibb County Law Enforcement Center. He surrendered without incident at a trailer in Montezuma, Georgia on October 26, 2023.
Both cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and communities.
The investigation into Demeritte was conducted by ATF and Monroe County Sheriff's Office while Criminal Chief Leah McEwen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case.
Stokes' case involved SERFTF with assistance from multiple agencies including ATF, FBI, Bibb County Sheriff's Office, and Georgia State Patrol; it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom.