A Savannah man was convicted in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm after an incident that took place in February 2024. Benjamin Michael Greene, 39, was found guilty by a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
According to information presented at trial, on February 12, 2024, Greene stole a vehicle while its owner was inflating tires on Augusta Avenue. Officers from the Savannah Police Department responded quickly and pursued Greene, who crashed the stolen vehicle into a telephone pole. After fleeing on foot, Greene was apprehended by a K-9 officer. Police recovered a firearm from Greene during his arrest and found another firearm and controlled substances at the scene. Due to previous felony convictions in Chatham County Superior Court, Greene was not allowed to possess firearms.
Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, stated: “Our commitment to removing firearms from the hands of convicted felons is unwavering. I would like to especially recognize K-9 Zulu, whose work directly led to the safe recovery of this firearm.”
ATF RAC Robert Davis said: "The successful outcome of this case underscores the vital partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Together, we are making significant strides in combating gun violence and ensuring that our communities remain safe.”
The investigation was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
The Savannah Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant United States Attorney Darron J. Hubbard prosecuted it for the Southern District of Georgia.
For further inquiries about this case or related matters, contact can be made with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
