Convicted Felon Sentenced To Over 18 Years In Prison For Possessing A Firearm

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Demetrius L. McKinney, 33, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge J. Randal Hall, to 18 years 9 months in prison for possessing a handgun as a convicted felon.  He was also sentenced to serve 5 years of supervised release upon his release from prison.

Evidence presented during the guilty plea and sentencing hearings revealed that in May 2012, McKinney possessed a loaded firearm in the glove-compartment of a car.  McKinney said he had the gun “for protection.”  Prior to possessing the gun McKinney had been convicted of Burglary, two serious drug offenses, and an Aggravated Assault, making him an “armed career criminal” under federal law and subjecting him to a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years.

During the sentencing hearing the evidence revealed that McKinney committed a number of his prior felonies while on bond, parole, or probation in the state judicial system.  The Court cited McKinney’s complete lack of respect for the law, high likelihood of recidivism, and clear record of an inability to abide by release conditions, as factors contributing to the lengthy prison term.

The case was investigated by Georgia State Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted under Project Ceasefire, a joint federal, state and local firearms initiative involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF and various local police departments.

United States Attorney Edward Tarver said: “Through Project Ceasefire, the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously enforce federal firearms laws.  Project Ceasefire has proven to be an effective tool in the Department of Justice’s efforts to rid the streets of dangerous felons who carry guns.  Felons who possess firearms can expect to be returned to prison, and serve federal time without the possibility of parole. ”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamont A. Belk 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.