Convicted Felon, Arrested During Columbus "Horseshoe" Investigation, Sentenced To Prison

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to more than nine years in prison on a federal gun charge, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. U.S. District Judge Clay Land sentenced Arrington Culpepper, 34, of Columbus, to 115 months in prison, after Culpepper pleaded guilty to one count possession of a stolen firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.

Culpepper was apprehended during a joint operation on September 5, 2017 investigating a high crime area in Columbus associated with criminal gang activity, known as “the horseshoe.” Culpepper fled from agents on foot. During the course of the chase, Culpepper discarded what was later found to be a stolen .380 caliber pistol, a digital scale and a small amount of marijuana. Culpepper has been convicted of the following felony crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year:

1. Possession of Cocaine with intent to Distribute: Muscogee County Superior Court, Case No. SU-06-CR-545, sentenced on July 6, 2006;
2. Possession of Cocaine: Muscogee County Superior Court, Georgia, Case No. SU-07-CR-276, sentenced on January 14, 2008;
3. Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon: Muscogee County Superior Court, Case No. SU-13-CR-1506, sentenced on October 4, 2013;
4. Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to Distribute & Felony Fleeing or Eluding Law Enforcement Officer: Muscogee County Superior Court, Case No. SU-15-CR-1557, sentenced on September 25, 2015;
5. Possession of Marijuana with intent to Distribute: Muscogee County Superior Court, Case No. SU-15-CR-3355, sentenced on April 25, 2016.  

“Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are united and focused on our shared goal to decrease criminal activity in the Columbus region,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “I want to commend the excellent work by the Columbus Police Department, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the FBI in this investigation and for their joint efforts protecting our communities.” 

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, the Department of Community Supervision, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.