Southern District of Georgia Indicts Multiple Defendants on Firearm and Drug Charges

Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution. Several defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or are awaiting further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Jill E. Steinberg, emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who endanger community safety. The cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, including the ATF and FBI, aimed at reducing violent crime.

During the July term of the U.S. District Court Grand Jury, indictments included:

Cordell Cobb, 23, charged with 10 counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and eight counts of Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, related to robberies across several counties from January to June 2023.
Corinthian Lamar Colonel, 26, charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute.
Tommy Lee Porter, 55, charged with multiple counts including Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute.
Stanley Hall, 22, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Ronald Milton, 72, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Maleak J. Parrish, 24, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Darrell DeMarcus Golden, 31, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Previously indicted defendants include Rashawn Byrd, 35, charged with multiple offenses including Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Willie Dunbar, 45, charged with Possession of a Machine Gun.

Defendants adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:

Matthew Lacey, 26, sentenced to 188 months for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Kenneth Oliver Riley, 60, sentenced to 57 months after police found a revolver during a shooting investigation.
Joe Welcome, 34, sentenced to 51 months after being found in possession of a pistol during a traffic stop.
Christopher D. Lovett, 44, sentenced to 46 months and fined $1,500.
Brian Wesley Dean, 45, sentenced to 30 months after police found a pistol during a traffic stop.
Daiyuonte Reed, 31, sentenced to three years’ probation and fined $1,500.
Perez Staples, 40, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty.

These cases are prosecuted by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Under federal law, possessing a firearm is illegal for individuals in certain prohibited categories, including felons and unlawful users of controlled substances.