Joshua Timothy Rex has admitted in court to unlawfully possessing firearms, despite being a convicted felon. He was apprehended on his way to the Reinhardt University campus with two loaded firearms, allegedly intending to confront a student. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. said, “Rex is a repeat violent offender who placed the citizens of Cherokee County and the Reinhardt University community at serious risk by bringing guns to campus in anticipation of an encounter with a student.” Moultrie expressed relief that law enforcement intervened, preventing potential harm.
Benjamin Gibbons from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) added, “Rex posed a serious threat to the public.” He emphasized the commitment of ATF and law enforcement partners to community safety.
The court learned that Rex, with a history of felony drug convictions and a prior domestic violence conviction, was prohibited from possessing firearms. Despite this, on July 20, 2024, he armed himself and headed towards Reinhardt University. His apparent intentions prompted a warning call to law enforcement, who intercepted him upon campus entry. Rex was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegally carrying firearms. He later confessed to federal agents about his intentions regarding a student confrontation.
Rex is due for sentencing on July 9, 2025, before Senior United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wylly and involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with significant support from local authorities.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aiming to combat illegal activities like cartels and transnational crime, harnessing resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
For more details, the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office is available at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. Additional information can be found online at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia's website.
