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Press Release

Stone Mountain man sentenced to federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm

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

ATLANTA - Jonathan Christopher Scott, who has been convicted of multiple felonies, has been sentenced to federal prison for possession of a stolen firearm.

“Convicted felons like Scott, in possession of stolen firearm, pose one of the most serious threats to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.  “His flagrant firing of the weapon showed he had no regard for citizens, or fear of the law.”

“Let’s be clear about this,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Art Peralta.  “It is already a crime for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.  Jonathan Scott made a conscious decision to take it a step further and shot his handgun in the parking lot potentially endangering the lives of anyone in the area.  His decision to pull the trigger demands our immediate attention and in this case, I am relieved that Mr. Scott was arrested before his criminal behavior resulted in serious injury to anyone.”

“Thanks to our professional and hard-working officers, Mr. Scott was apprehended and his ability to harm others quelled.  I am extremely proud of every City of Norcross Police Officer for the tremendous service they provide this city every day.  I am also thankful for the ATF’s efforts in this case.  Their partnership is crucial to the success of local law enforcement,” said Norcross Police Chief Bill Grogan.

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: On March 20, 2018, Norcross Police responded to reports of gunfire at a local hotel.  Upon arrival, they were notified that Jonathan Christopher Scott had fired a handgun in the parking lot.  The entire incident was captured on video, but Scott left the location prior to law enforcement's arrival. 

Shortly thereafter, Norcross Police were notified that Scott returned to the hotel.  Officers were directed to his room and Scott refused to answer.  After several attempts to contact him were unsuccessful, police obtained a search warrant, entered the hotel room, and observed Scott walking away from the bathroom.  Scott was detained and police located a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun inside of the water tank affixed to the toilet.  The handgun was reported stolen from a vehicle in Henry County, Georgia on January 30, 2018. 

 Jonathan was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Norcross Police Department.

Deputy Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg and Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah Schechtman prosecuted the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

Updated July 16, 2019

Topic
Firearms Offenses