MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Arthur Lee Bennett, age 45, of Milledgeville, Georgia was sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for Possession of a Stolen Firearm before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia on Sept. 19, 2018.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Bennett admitted that the Georgia State Patrol stopped him for speeding on Aug. 12, 2017. While waiting for confirmation that Mr. Bennett had an outstanding probation violation warrant, a Trooper attempted to detain him, but Mr. Bennett fled on foot. An inventory of Mr. Bennett’s car revealed a loaded.380 caliber pistol which had been reported as stolen from an evidence locker at the Milledgeville Police Department. Mr. Bennett was subsequently arrested, and the police confirmed he had felony convictions for Burglary, Possession of Cocaine, Armed Robbery and Interference with Government Property.
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.
“Felons with stolen guns are headed to federal prison," said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the ATF and Georgia State Patrol for bringing Mr. Bennett to justice."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Georgia State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Easterling is prosecuting the case.
Questions regarding this case should be addressed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-731-1824 or pam.lightsey@usdoj.gov
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
