Gang Gun Supplier Pleads Guilty to Theft of Firearms in Columbus

Gun supplier Joshua Holland, also known as “Lou,” from Columbus, admitted guilt to two counts of stealing firearms from pawn shops licensed by the federal government. His co-defendants, James David Lowery and Jerry Starks, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the theft. The guilty pleas were entered in federal court last week before U.S. District Judge Clay Land.

Holland faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count, while Lowery and Starks face a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine each. The sentencing dates will be determined by the court, and the defendants are not eligible for parole.

According to court documents, Holland confessed to stealing firearms from area pawn shops in 2022 and selling them to criminal street gangs in Columbus. The burglaries involved crashing stolen vehicles into pawn shops to gain entry and steal firearms. The stolen firearms were then sold to rival gangs, including the Zohannon and the Marlo organizations.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Columbus Police Department, Phenix City Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.

U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary stated, “Our office has zero tolerance for individuals caught supplying violent criminal organizations with firearms and will pursue federal charges for gun traffickers.” Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka added, “This investigation illustrates the collective resolve of ATF and our law enforcement partners working together to make a safer community.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case for the Government.