Ryan K. Buchanan U.S. Attorney | US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia
Marcus Thomas, a convicted felon, has been sentenced to federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented on the case, stating, "Thomas was released from state prison only a few days before he illegally obtained a firearm and indiscriminately shot through a motel window, endangering the lives of others within the community."
FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke described Thomas as "a dangerous felon who resumed his criminal activity shortly after being released from prison." Burke emphasized that law enforcement will continue efforts to bring criminals to justice.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum remarked on Thomas's actions: "The reckless and dangerous actions of Marcus Thomas put innocent lives at risk, and this case exemplifies the Atlanta Police Department’s unwavering commitment to working with our federal partners to remove violent offenders from our streets."
On July 1, 2022, officers from the Atlanta Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at a Travel Inn on Forest Hills Drive in Atlanta. Witnesses identified Marcus Thomas as having fired shots after entering his motel room. The police found evidence of gunfire damage and discovered ammunition and shell casings inside the room.
Further investigation by FBI agents revealed that Thomas had been released from prison just four days before the incident. His criminal record includes convictions for aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possession of cocaine, and theft by receiving stolen property.
U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty sentenced Marcus Thomas, aged 39, to three years and one month in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on August 28, 2024.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Atlanta Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Thomas M. Forsyth III prosecuted it.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.
