Arthur Gene Young, a repeat felon with a violent history, has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm while resisting police officers. The incident took place in Bremen, Georgia, after Young shoplifted from a local pharmacy and subsequently resisted arrest.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. commented on the case, stating, “Armed felons cannot be allowed to terrorize the citizens of our district. After Young was arrested with a firearm for the third time in two years, local law enforcement wisely sought federal assistance to ensure he would be removed from the community. We will continue to work with our partners at all levels to protect the public from gun violence and repeat violent offenders.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons added, “The law-abiding citizens of this community are safer because of today’s sentence which will ensure the incarceration of a dangerous criminal and contribute to the restoration of order and peace to this area. This sentence sends a direct message to criminals that ATF and our local law enforcement partners will investigate violent criminals and protect citizens.”
According to Bremen Police Department Lieutenant Joshua Newman, the collaboration between various law enforcement agencies was crucial. “The partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies is imperative to help local communities stay safe,” he said. “The Bremen Police Department would like to thank all the agencies and law enforcement officers that were involved in this case.”
Details from the court reveal that on May 2, 2023, shortly after being released from state prison, Young shoplifted in Bremen, Georgia. When confronted by police the next day for the same incident, Young fled and resisted arrest. The pursuit led to a confrontation, during which Young, who was armed, resisted arrest before being subdued by the police.
Young, who is legally barred from having firearms due to his felony record, was found with a loaded 7.65mm pistol. His criminal background includes convictions for attempted robbery and terroristic threats. At the time of his arrest, Young was also facing charges in other cases involving firearm possession and assault.
Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. sentenced Young to 14 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Young pled guilty midway through a jury trial.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bremen Police Department with assistance from other local law enforcement agencies. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program focusing on reducing violent crime and making communities safer.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office.