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Press Release

Jury Convicts Centerville Felon For Possessing A Gun

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Marcus Veal, age 33, of Centerville, Georgia was convicted of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm today by a jury in Macon.  The verdict was handed down following a trial before U.S. District Court Judge Tilman E. Self, III.  Mr. Veal is facing a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.  Sentencing is set for November 27, 2018 in Macon.

At trial, the Government presented evidence that Mr. Veal was stopped by a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Trooper for having a suspended registration.  Mr. Veal exited his vehicle and fled on foot.  Mr. Veal ultimately got into a physical altercation with the GSP Trooper, who arrested Mr. Veal and found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol on the ground by Mr. Veal’s waist.

“Mr. Veal is exactly the sort of defendant who deserves federal prosecution,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler.  “Not only did Mr. Veal flee from law enforcement and resist arrest while possessing a loaded gun, but he also has a 2004 conviction for criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, a 2007 conviction for possession of cocaine and financial transaction card fraud, and at the time of his arrest, he had outstanding warrants in Bibb and Henry County.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

The case was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Easterling and Tamara Jarrett.

Questions regarding this case should be addressed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-731-1824 or pam.lightsey@usdoj.gov.

Updated August 21, 2018

Topic
Project Safe Neighborhoods