Multi-Convicted Felon Receives Over 11 Years In Prison

Augusta, GA: Tyrone A. McDonald, 35, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced earlier this week by United States District Court Judge J. Randal Hall to a total of 137 months in prison: 77 months for trafficking narcotics and for possessing a firearm as a felon; and an additional 60 months for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug crime.  After serving his combined 137-month prison sentence, McDonald will be on federal supervision for an additional 5 years.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Evidence presented during McDonald’s jury trial revealed that on November 25, 2013, while searching for two fugitives in the Barton Village area, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) investigators located an assault rifle near three glass jars containing marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and scales hidden in the woods behind McDonald’s residence.  Further examination revealed McDonald’s fingerprints on the firearm (later determined to be stolen) and several of the drug-related items.  McDonald had two prior felony drug convictions.

McDonald’s case was prosecuted as part of Project Ceasefire, a joint firearms initiative of the U. S. Attorney’s Office, the ATF, and local law enforcement agencies.  Project Ceasefire is a cooperative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat gun crime by targeting violent felons and drug dealers who illegally possess firearms and narcotics.

McDonald’s case was investigated by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF.  Assistant United States Attorney Nancy C. Greenwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.  For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201‑2547.