Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Christian M. MacKean, 37, of Eatonton, Georgia entered a plea of guilty on May 7, 2015, for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, U.S. District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
On Aug. 13, 2013, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Patrolman Jeff Wilson stopped a Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck on I-75 for speeding. Mr. MacKean, the driver and owner of the vehicle, refused to show his driver’s license or an insurance card. As he reached for a briefcase, Patrolman Wilson noticed a bulge under Mr. MacKean’s shirt and suspected there was a weapon. Patrolman Wilson called for backup. When Deputy Kimberly Barnett from the Forsyth Police Department arrived and approached the vehicle she saw the handle of a black pistol on Mr. MacKean’s right side. It was learned that MacKean had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for parole violations. During a search incident to this arrest it was found that Mr. MacKean had a loaded pistol in a holster on his right hip and a fully loaded AR-15 rifle in the toolbox of the Silverado. In addition, two plastic bags containing methamphetamine with a combined weight of three grams were found in the truck.
A criminal background check of Mr. MacKean revealed previous felony convictions for possession and trafficking of methamphetamine, as well as possession of cocaine. Mr. MacKean is facing a maximum term of 120 months imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, for this offense. He is currently serving a prison sentence in Putnam County. His prison term for this offense will begin once the other sentence has been served.
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore stated that “Due to his prior criminal conduct, Mr. MacKean lost his right to possess a firearm. In addition, he not only illegally possessed a handgun and assault weapon in this case but did so along with one of our most dangerous illicit drugs. At least for the term of the sentence he faces he will not be a further threat to the safety of the public in this way."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Sonja B. Profit prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
