A Baldwin County man was found guilty by a federal jury of illegally possessing a firearm. Dormaine Mitchell, 39, from Milledgeville, Georgia, was convicted of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon on April 8 following a two-day trial beginning April 7. Mitchell faces a potential maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The case is presided over by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal, with a sentencing date yet to be scheduled.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker stated, “We are relieved that no one was injured in this incident and thankful to the officers who effectively managed a tense and dangerous situation.” She added that alongside their law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously pursue justice against repeat offenders who illegally possess firearms.
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka of the Atlanta Field Division noted, “A prohibited person in possession of stolen firearms is a clear and present danger to our communities.” He praised law enforcement partners for their quick action, ensuring a safe outcome for everyone involved.
Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee remarked on the strong collaboration between the Sheriff’s Department and federal partners, leading to positive outcomes.
Court documents and evidence from the trial revealed that on Oct. 13, 2022, a Baldwin County Sheriff’s deputy observed Mitchell driving erratically near Laboratory Road. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer detected a strong smell of alcohol and noted Mitchell’s slurred speech. Although Mitchell claimed not to have weapons in the car, the officer discovered the extended magazine of a Glock 22 pistol between the driver’s seat and center console.
Following a confrontation, more officers arrived, and Mitchell was taken into custody. During his escort to the police car, Mitchell reportedly said, “You better be glad it didn’t go bad.” Mitchell’s criminal record includes a prior aggravated assault conviction, and it's illegal for a convicted felon to have a firearm.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration and organized crime while protecting communities from violent crime. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Milledgeville Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julius Jefferson are prosecuting the case.