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Press Release

Convicted Felon Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Possessing A Stolen Assault Rifle

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

BRUNSWICK, Ga.Alex M. Bennett, 32, of Broxton, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday by Chief United States District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 15 years in prison for possessing an assault rifle as a convicted felon.  He was also sentenced to serve 5 years supervised release upon his release from prison.

Evidence presented during the guilty plea and sentencing hearings revealed that Bennett burglarized a residence in Hazlehurst, Georgia, where he stole an SKS semi-automatic rifle with a 20 round magazine.  Because Bennett had three prior convictions for drug offenses and robberies, he was classified as an “armed career criminal” under federal law and faced a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years.

The case was investigated by the Hazlehurst Police Department and the ATF.  The case was prosecuted under Project Ceasefire, a joint federal, state and local firearms initiative involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the ATF and various local police departments.

United States Attorney Edward Tarver said: “Through project Ceasefire, the United States Attorney’s Office will be relentless in its enforcement of 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. ”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlton Bourne 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.

Updated April 13, 2015