Three Nashville men with prior convictions have been charged with federal firearms offenses, and two of them face additional drug-related charges. Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Robert E. McGuire, announced the charges against Carlos J. Rodriguez, George Charles Carter III, and Keontis Jenkins.
Rodriguez was charged on January 24 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Court documents reveal that law enforcement observed him engaging in suspected narcotics transactions outside a bar on Charlotte Pike in Nashville on September 25, 2024. Following his arrest for driving with an expired license on January 17, 2025, Rodriguez admitted to possessing ammunition despite knowing he was prohibited due to a prior felony drug conviction.
Carter was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances after an incident involving an armed robbery attempt on January 19, 2025. Surveillance footage captured him allegedly pointing a weapon during the event near the J.C. Napier Housing Development. The following day, Carter fled from police in a vehicle matching the description of one involved in the shooting but was eventually apprehended. He confessed to discarding drugs out of his car window before his arrest.
Jenkins faces charges related to firearms and drug trafficking after his arrest on January 14, 2025, for outstanding warrants linked to attempted homicide. A search revealed illegal drugs and firearms at both his residence and vehicle. Jenkins admitted involvement in selling drugs such as marijuana and fentanyl while acknowledging his status as a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.
These cases are under investigation by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is leading the prosecution efforts.
"A complaint is merely an accusation," authorities reminded the public, emphasizing that "all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."