Valdosta Man With Prior Drug Convictions Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession
VALDOSTA, Ga. — A South Georgia man with multiple prior drug convictions has been sentenced to nearly two decades in federal prison after authorities found him illegally possessing a firearm during a traffic stop.
Cedric Jerome Maxwell, 49, of Valdosta, was sentenced on Feb. 26 by Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands to 230 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Maxwell previously pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2025, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Federal sentences do not allow parole.
“It is illegal for felony offenders to possess a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Our office will seek federal prosecution against armed repeat offenders who continue to commit crimes in the Middle District of Georgia.”
Traffic Stop Led to Discovery
According to court records, the case began on June 2, 2022, when deputies with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office stopped Maxwell for failing to maintain his lane.
During the stop, investigators reported smelling marijuana, which led to a lawful search of the vehicle. Deputies discovered:
- Bundles of cash inside the center console
- A blue zip pouch containing cocaine
- Pills that tested positive for methamphetamine
- Marijuana in the back seat
- A .40-caliber handgun
Because Maxwell had three prior felony drug convictions, federal law prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Federal and Local Partnership
“The illegal possession of firearms by repeat offenders poses a threat to our neighborhoods,” said ATF Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka, noting the agency’s ongoing work with local law enforcement to keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals.
Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk credited the collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies for helping remove repeat offenders from the streets.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels prosecuting on behalf of the federal government.
