Savannah Man Sentenced To Over 13 Years In Prison For Federal Firearms Offense

SAVANNAH, GA – Charles Starks, 22, of Savannah, Georgia was sentenced yesterday by Senior United States District Court Judge B. Avant Edenfield to 162 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for a related drug offense.  Starks was classified as a “career offender” under the federal sentencing guidelines due to his previous convictions for burglary, obstruction, firearms possession and drug trafficking.  Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing revealed that Starks distributed marijuana to an underage female while he possessed a stolen, loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver.

The case was investigated and prosecuted under Project Ceasefire, a joint federal, state and local firearms initiative involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, the ATF and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.

United States Attorney Tarver said: “Project Ceasefire is an effective program designed to remove from our streets previously convicted felons who, after their initial release from confinement, continued to engage in criminal activity by using and carrying firearms.  The career path chosen by this very young Defendant is extremely unfortunate.  Because of his multiple felony convictions, he has qualified for designation into an exclusive category known as the “career offender.”  Felons with guns, serve hard time, for a long time.”

Assistant United States Attorney Carlton R. 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.