Federal firearms charges have been brought against multiple individuals in the Southern District of Georgia. The indictments, part of a broader effort to combat violent crime, allege that felons illegally possessed firearms. Some defendants have been sentenced, while others await further proceedings after pleading guilty.
Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, emphasized the importance of removing firearms from those prohibited from possessing them: “Removing guns from the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them is a vital part of this office’s effort to fight violent crime.” She praised law enforcement's ongoing efforts to identify illegal gun possession.
The prosecutions are conducted under Project Safe Neighborhoods in cooperation with various law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI. The initiative aims to reduce violent crime by targeting convicted felons who unlawfully possess firearms.
The January indictments include Natravien Reshawn Landry, 25, charged with Premeditated Murder and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence for allegedly fatally shooting U.S. Army Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr.; Fitz Kenney Williams, 33, charged with Illegal Receipt of a Firearm; Ruben Alejandro Reyna-Mendoza, 47, and Jarvis Jerrell Giles, 36, both charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Recent sentences were handed down to Lial Stephens and Jeremy Studdard on federal firearms charges. Stephens was sentenced to 64 months for Interference with Commerce by Robbery after two armed robberies in Garden City in 2023. Studdard received an 80-month sentence for Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
Awaiting sentencing are Ray Charles Canady III for robbery-related charges involving firearm use; Phillip Moore and Kenneth Moultrie Jr., both for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Federal law prohibits firearm possession by individuals falling into certain categories such as felons or illegal aliens and bans purchasing attempts if one is prohibited or buying on behalf of others.
Further information about lawful firearm purchasing can be found on the ATF website at https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473