Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Martell McCoy, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, the maximum allowed by law, on Feb. 14, 2018, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, in Macon, Georgia.
The evidence showed that June 4, 2016 law enforcement officers responded to 176 Helen Circle in Milledgeville after having received information that McCoy was at the location. McCoy previously had been barred from the location by a court order. Police located McCoy inside of the residence. McCoy was arrested and a subsequent search of the residence revealed powder cocaine and a Lorcin.380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. McCoy had prior felony convictions for attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aggravated assault.
“This is the case of a person with a prior felony conviction for a violent crime who not only ignored the law which prevented him from possessing a firearm, but did so at a home from which he had been barred for the protection of those living there. Since there is no parole in the federal system, at least for the next ten years Mr. McCoy won’t be able to thumb his nose at the law, the courts and society in the manner in which he did in this situation," said United States Attorney Peeler.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation of this matter was conducted by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Easterling prosecuted the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
