Multiple defendants prosecuted on federal firearms, drug charges in the Coastal Empire/Lowcountry

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)- Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while other defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or awaiting further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.

These cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.

“In addition to taking guns out of the hands of convicted felons, these cases also demonstrate the increased danger posed by the growing number of illegal machine guns on the streets,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

Those indicted from the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry during the May term of the U.S. District Court Grand Jury include:

Jordan Richardson , 24, of Savannah, was charged with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.

Malik Havier McKenzie , 26, of Savannah, was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine, Carfentanyl, and Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Machine Gun; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Duane B. Smith , 50, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Anthony McQuarters , 31, of Hardeeville, S.C., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Stolen Firearms. McQuarters was arrested on state charges following a chase on I-16 by multiple law enforcement agencies through Laurens, Treutlen, Emanuel, and Candler counties.

Antuane Farmer , 37, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

James Allen Ponder , 47, of Sylvania, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Defendants recently judged on federal firearms charges include:

Jamell Williams , 44, of Savannah, was sentenced to 80 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers investigating reports of shots fired near a motel determined Williams was in possession of a rifle.

Akeem Ajmia Lanier , 36, of Metter, was sentenced to 77 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Metter police officers found a pistol in Lanier’s vehicle during a traffic stop.

Tommy Cowart , 60, of Statesboro, was sentenced to 66 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Bulloch County deputies arrested Cowart after finding a rifle in his car during a traffic stop.

Darrell Lamar Williams , 25, of Claxton, was sentenced to 64 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. Georgia State Patrol troopers arrested Williams after a traffic stop and found him in possession of ammunition.

Zachary Smith , 26, of Savannah, was sentenced to 45 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Kavon Smalls , 29, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found a pistol after chasing Smalls when he ran away from a vehicle that crashed during an attempted traffic stop.

Benjamin Priester , 56, of Pooler, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Savannah police officers found a pistol in Priester’s possession during a traffic stop and later determined Priester knew the gun had been stolen.

These cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.