Peter D. Leary, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
A member of the Gangster Disciples in Columbus, Georgia, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for illegal firearm possession. Christopher Gilliam, aged 36, received a sentence of 162 months followed by three years of supervised release from U.S. District Judge Clay Land on January 28. Gilliam admitted guilt to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon on October 29, 2024. The federal system does not offer parole.
Acting U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker emphasized the commitment to prosecuting violent felons with firearms in the Middle District of Georgia: “This case is another example of the kind of effective law enforcement partnerships helping us track down and hold the most dangerous repeat offenders accountable.”
ATF Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka stated, "Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just a program; it is a powerful, unyielding effort to dismantle violent criminal networks and rid our communities of those who bring harm."
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman added, “If you are bold enough to commit a crime involving a gun coupled with gang involvement, we will be courageous enough to arrest you for your crimes against others.”
Court documents reveal that Gilliam was wanted for aggravated assault when he was apprehended at his girlfriend’s residence on July 21, 2023. A stolen 9mm semiautomatic pistol with a laser and loaded magazine was found in plain view. Gilliam's criminal history includes previous aggravated assault convictions.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice reinforced PSN's strategy on May 26, 2021.
The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals Chief prosecuted the case.