A Macon resident has entered a guilty plea to a federal gun charge this week after being apprehended for probation violation. Terico Jaques Balkcom, 46, acknowledged guilt for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon before U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell on March 31. He faces up to 15 years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and a possible $250,000 fine. The court has yet to set a sentencing date, and federal parole is not available.
“It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office is collaborating with our law enforcement partners to hold repeat convicted felons accountable when they are found violating federal law.”
GBI Director Chris Hosey emphasized the focus on public safety, stating, “Ensuring public safety is our top priority, the GBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable who violate the law, especially those with a history of criminal behavior.”
Court documents reveal that Balkcom was stopped by Georgia State Patrol on May 20, 2024. He had an active warrant for breaching probation related to a Bibb County felony conviction. A trooper detected alcohol smell and conducted a sobriety test. Balkcom handed over a false ID as "Benjamin Brown." When questioned further, discrepancies in his information led to confirmation of his true identity by a GBI agent familiar with him. He was arrested based on the probation warrant. A 9mm pistol and Balkcom’s medication were found in a Crown Royal bag in his possession. Authorities also discovered marijuana in the vehicle. His background includes previous convictions in Bibb County Superior Court, notably for crossing guard lines with prohibited items in 2018. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is illegal.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative of the Department of Justice targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and violent crime through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Prosecutor Joy Odom is handling the case for the government, with investigations by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and assistance from Georgia State Patrol.
