Armed Felon Pleads Guilty After Attempt to Confront Student at Reinhardt University

Joshua Timothy Rex has pleaded guilty to possession of two firearms by a convicted felon after law enforcement intercepted him on his way to confront a student at Reinhardt University while armed with multiple loaded firearms.

According to court records, on July 20, 2024, a 911 caller alerted authorities that Rex was driving to the university with the intent to confront and potentially harm a student. Rex, who had prior felony drug convictions and a domestic violence conviction, was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Despite this, he was armed with two fully loaded firearms and extra magazines of ammunition.

Deputies from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and officers from Reinhardt University’s Department of Public Safety located Rex as he entered the campus and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, officers determined that Rex was intoxicated and placed him under arrest for driving under the influence. A search of his vehicle revealed the firearms and ammunition.

During questioning by federal agents, Rex admitted that he had armed himself in anticipation of a confrontation with the student. He was subsequently charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, “Rex is a repeat violent offender who placed the citizens of Cherokee County and the Reinhardt University community at serious risk. We are relieved that local law enforcement intervened before anyone was harmed.”

Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) added, “Identifying and apprehending Rex shows that ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue to utilize all resources to protect the community.”

Rex is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with assistance from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Reinhardt University Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wylly.