Operation Peacekeeper Targets Gang Members In SWGA, 20 Offenders in Custody

Albany, Ga. — Federal, state and local agencies took 20 offenders into custody during Operation Peacekeeper, a three-day effort to capture offenders involved in shootings, homicides and other violent crimes, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Operation Peacekeeper was spearheaded by U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF), in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, the Albany Police Department Gang Unit, Pelham Police Department, Camilla Police Department, Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office. Additional agencies involved include U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals Middle District of Georgia and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The wanted offenders were taken into custody on November 13-15, 2019, the majority in Dougherty and Mitchell Counties. Operation Peacekeeper focused on individuals wanted on active felony warrants for violent crimes, as well as conducting proactive patrols to disrupt and ultimately dismantle criminal enterprises and individuals involved in violent crimes.

“This operation is part of law enforcement’s relentless commitment to reduce violent crime in Southwest Georgia, and across the Middle District,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Operation Peacekeeper is a coordinated effort involving law enforcement agencies at every level, and was planned and executed with precision. I commend our law enforcement partners for the bravery and professionalism they exhibit every day when fighting crime across our region, and making our communities safer.”

“Operation Peacekeeper targeted gang members and violent criminals. The resources of the U.S. Marshals Service and its Regional Fugitive Task Forces coupled with the expertise of our local law enforcement partners make it difficult for wanted offenders to remain concealed from arrest,” said Supervisory Inspector Chris Wright, U.S. Marshals Service-Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force.

“As part of an ongoing effort to combat crime in our community, the Albany Police Department utilizes the partnerships that we have with federal and state agencies to locate those persons who have active warrants for their arrest. In order for victims to receive the justice that they deserve, law enforcement must ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions,” said APD Chief Michael Persley. “This partnership with the United States Marshals Service could not have been possible without the efforts of the U.S. Attorney of the Middle District of Georgia, Charlie Peeler. Together we are doing everything within our efforts to keep the community and Southwest Georgia safe.”

All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law. The following individuals were arrested during Operation Peacekeeper:

1. Eric Bell, Albany, Georgia Possession of Cocaine, Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession of Drug Related Object, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute
2. Kaninja Carroll, Albany, Probation Violation
3. Jaboris Cato, Albany, Probation Violation (Aggravated Assault)
4. Michael Chapman, Albany, Interference with City Officer
5. Nykiria Childs, Pelham, Georgia Theft by Taking Motor Vehicle
6. Demetrius Davis, Albany, Probation Violation (Aggravated Assault/Armed Robbery), Possession of Marijuana
7. Jah’Varee Dawson, Pelham, Possession of Marijuana  
8. Jonathan Gonzalas, Milledgeville, Georgia, Agg. Child Molestation (three counts)
9. James A. Green, Albany, Probation Violation (Aggravated Assault), Aggravated Assault
10. Brandon Johns, Bainbridge, Georgia, Aggravated Assault
11. Kenneth Lyles, Albany, Probation Violation (Fraud), Terroristic Threats and Acts
12. Bennie Mainor, Ft. Valley, Georgia, Aggravated Assault on Peace Officer, Fleeing/Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, Fail to Yield, Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License, Failure to Maintain Lane, Stop Sign Violation, Stop Sign Violation
13. John Morgan, Albany, Probation Violation (Aggravated Assault)
14. Dontavious Mosley, Macon, Georgia, Parole Violation (Aggravated Assault)
15. Carl Randle Jr., Albany, Aggravated Assault
16. Roosevelt Washington, Albany, Probation Violation (Felony Obstruction), Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
17. Roderick Williams, Pelham, Georgia, Reckless Conduct, Simple Battery
18. Saderick Williams, Donaldsonville, Georgia, Aggravated Assault, Discharging Firearms on Property of Another, Discharging of Firearm on/near Public Highway, Possession of Pistol by Person under 18, Criminal Damage to Property 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespass, Reckless Conduct
19. Zuminique Williams, Albany, Probation Violation
20. Shavaka Zachery, Albany, Trafficking in Ecstasy, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Entering Automobile

Operation Peacekeeper was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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.