A man from Baldwin County, Georgia, was found guilty by a federal jury this week for illegally possessing a firearm. Dormaine Mitchell, 39, was convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon following a two-day trial that concluded on April 8. The trial began on April 7 under the supervision of U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal. Mitchell, with a prior conviction for aggravated assault, faces a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. The court will set the sentencing date.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker expressed gratitude that the incident concluded without injuries. She stated, “Alongside our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously pursue justice against repeat offenders who disregard federal law and illegally possess firearms.”
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka lauded the law enforcement response, saying, “We are incredibly grateful for the courage and quick action of our law enforcement partners who responded to this high-risk situation. Their dedication ensured a safe outcome for everyone involved."
Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee highlighted the effective collaboration between local and federal law enforcement. “Law enforcement has a strong footprint in Baldwin County, and this case demonstrates the positive outcomes resulting from the collaboration between the Sheriff’s Department and our federal partners,” Massee commented.
Court documents from the case detail the events of October 13, 2022, when a sheriff’s deputy stopped Mitchell for erratic driving. Subsequent investigation revealed a strong smell of alcohol and slurred speech from Mitchell, who initially denied having weapons in his car. However, a Glock 22 pistol's extended magazine was visible, leading to his arrest after backup arrived. Mitchell, who has a criminal history, including a prior aggravated assault conviction, remarked, “You better be glad it didn’t go bad” as he was apprehended.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combatting illegal activities. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, with aid from the Milledgeville Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, are handling the investigation. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julius Jefferson are prosecuting the case for the government.
