Lee Milton Reeves, a multi-convicted felon, was sentenced on Mar. 27 to seven years in federal prison after threatening employees and police officers with a gun at a Riverdale, Georgia restaurant.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address violent crime and keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons. Reeves' actions raised concerns about public safety and highlighted the importance of strict enforcement against prohibited persons possessing guns.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “This case shows precisely why convicted felons are prohibited from possessing guns. Had Reeves pulled the trigger, this case could have ended in tragedy. My office will never stop working towards making Georgia safe by removing armed felons from the community.” Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd added, “The sentence imposed today sends a clear message to convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms: ATF’s top priority remains keeping our communities safe. ATF will continue working with our law enforcement partners to target individuals who unlawfully possess firearms.”
According to court records, Riverdale Police responded on March 17, 2024 to an emergency call about an armed man at a fast-food restaurant where officers found Reeves barricaded in a bathroom and pointing a gun at them. Investigators later determined that Reeves had fired the same weapon inside a trailer occupied by a mother and daughter one day earlier.
Reeves pleaded guilty on December 17, 2025 to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together various levels of law enforcement and community organizations to reduce violent crime and gun violence through strategies such as fostering trust within communities and supporting prevention initiatives.
Theodore S. Hertzberg held the position of United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia according to the official website. The U.S. Attorney's Office served as the principal federal law enforcement agency in its district according to its official website, enforcing federal criminal laws while representing the United States in civil matters and collaborating with local agencies for public safety as reported by its official website. The office prioritized prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, and civil rights violations according to its official website. It coordinated cases with national or international dimensions according to its official website while serving approximately 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains, Atlanta suburbs, and bordering states as reported by its official website.
Broader implications include continued collaboration among local police departments, federal agencies like ATF, and prosecutors under programs such as PSN aimed at reducing violent incidents involving firearms.
