A member of the Gangster Disciples in Columbus, Georgia, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for illegal firearm possession. Christopher Gilliam, aged 36, received a sentence of 162 months followed by three years of supervised release from U.S. District Judge Clay Land on January 28. Gilliam had pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon on October 29, 2024. Federal parole is not available.
Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker stated, “Violent convicted felons caught illegally with firearms in the Middle District of Georgia will find their cases in federal court.” She emphasized the importance of law enforcement partnerships in holding repeat offenders accountable.
ATF Atlanta Assistant Special Agent Beau Kolodka remarked on Project Safe Neighborhoods' role in addressing violent crime: "Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just a program; it is a powerful, unyielding effort to dismantle violent criminal networks and rid our communities of those who bring harm."
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman added, “If you are bold enough to commit a crime involving a gun coupled with gang involvement, we will be courageous enough to arrest you for your crimes against others.”
Gilliam was apprehended at his girlfriend’s residence on July 21, 2023, while wanted for aggravated assault. A stolen semiautomatic pistol was found during his arrest. His criminal history includes prior aggravated assault convictions.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through community collaboration and strategic enforcement. The Department of Justice enhanced PSN's strategy on May 26, 2021.
The investigation involved the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals Chief prosecuted the case.