MACON, GEORGIA - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive’s (ATF), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) are working jointly on an initiative aimed at the prevention and reduction of violent crime which has resulted in fifteen (15) indictments charging nineteen (19) defendants with a variety of federal firearms and drug offenses announced United States Attorney Michael J. Moore of the Middle District of Georgia. All of these charges are brought within the Athens Division of the Middle District of Georgia.
Those charged in the referenced indictments include the following, to-wit:
Shamier O’Neal Berry, age 21, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging distribution of cocaine.
Steven Maurice McKinley, age 22, of Athens, Georgia, was detained today as a result of an indictment charging distribution of methylphenidate and marijuana.
Terrance Jerome Clarke, age 27, of Athens, Georgia, was detained today as a result of an indictment charging two (2) counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, three (3) counts of distribution of drugs and two (2) counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Cicognac Octavius Rivers, age 25, of Athens, Georgia, was detained today as a result of an indictment charging possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Frederick Mitchell, Sr., age 82, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.
Frederick Mitchell, Jr., age 45, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and two (2) counts of distribution of cocaine.
Christopher Randall Boss, age 31, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging two (2) counts of false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.
Tirrell Deon Bush, age 41, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging two (2) counts of distribution of cocaine.
Chasity Caldwell age 33, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging two (2) counts of false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.
Dontavous Malcom, age 22, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging three (3) counts of distribution of cocaine.
Quometric Quashaun Smith, age 28, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Shammar D. Whitehead, age 26, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Jamie Lee Bowen, age 31, of Maysville, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging two (2) counts of false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.
Royce Van Court, Jr., age 32, of Winder, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging two (2) counts of false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.
Cherry Whatley, age 47, of Winder, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging two (2) counts of false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.
Demarcus Ellison, age 21, of Athens, Georgia, was detained today as a result of an indictment charging two (2) counts of distribution of cocaine.
Xavier Chavez Johnson, age 24, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested today as a result of an indictment charging possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
More arrests are expected.
“This initiative demonstrates how committed ATF, along with ACCPD and the GBI, are to reducing violent crime that affects the community. It truly is a joint effort, bringing all resources to a common goal, which is to reduce violent crime," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Aldino Ortiz.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases were investigated by the ATF and Athens Clarke County Police Department.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
