Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include charges against individuals accused of illegally possessing firearms. Some defendants have been sentenced to federal prison, while others await further proceedings after pleading guilty to gun-related charges.

“Removing guns from the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them is a vital part of this office’s effort to fight violent crime,” stated Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. She emphasized the ongoing efforts by law enforcement partners to identify individuals who illegally possess weapons.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI. The initiative aims to reduce violent crime by targeting convicted felons who unlawfully possess firearms.

Among those indicted in January are:

- Natravien Reshawn Landry, 25, from Abbeville, Louisiana. He faces charges including Premeditated Murder and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence related to the fatal shooting of U.S. Army Sgt. Andre S. Stewart Jr.

- Fitz Kenney Williams, 33, from Augusta, charged with Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment.

- Ruben Alejandro Reyna-Mendoza, 47, from Ridgeland, South Carolina; and Jarvis Jerrell Giles, 36, from Savannah—both charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

All indicted individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Recent adjudications on similar charges include:

- Lial Stephens was sentenced to 64 months in prison for Interference with Commerce by Robbery after pleading guilty.

- Jeremy Studdard received an 80-month sentence for Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon and drug-related offenses.

- Ray Charles Canady III awaits sentencing after admitting guilt for robbery and firearm possession during a violent crime.

- Phillip Moore and Kenneth Moultrie Jr., both awaiting sentencing for firearm possession as convicted felons.

The prosecutions are handled by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Federal law prohibits firearm possession under certain conditions such as being a felon or illegal alien or using controlled substances unlawfully. It is also illegal to purchase firearms on behalf of prohibited persons or lie on ATF Form 4473 used in lawful purchases.

For more information about lawful firearm purchasing guidelines provided by ATF: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473