AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Four people from Augusta have been indicted for illegal federal firearm possession, according to authorities.

“Getting guns out of the hands of those who can’t legally possess them is a vital part of the effort to reduce violent crime,” said Tara M. Lyons, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We applaud our law enforcement partners for their diligent work in keeping our communities safe.”

The 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.

Those indicted in February include Timothy Lee Cheeks, 37, of Augusta, was indicted in February charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Also previously indicted is Stephen Joseph Sala, 33, of Augusta, charged with possession of an unregistered firearm (referring to a short-barreled rifle.)

All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:

• Anthony Orlando Jones, 34, of Augusta, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Richmond County deputies and the U.S. Marshals found Jones in possession of a semiautomatic pistol in November 2023 while serving him with an arrest warrant on a state felony charge.
• Deleon Alexander Jackson, 23, of Augusta, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined $1,000 after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Richmond County deputies found Jackson in possession of a rifle while investigating a reported disturbance at an Augusta store.

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