Columbus man previously sentenced to more than nine years in prison on gun charges

COLUMBUS, GA (WRBL) — A Columbus man with prior felony convictions has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison on a gun charge, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Devontae Jammell Morris, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm on Jan. 29.

The charge dates back to November 19, 2022, when a Muscogee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) attempted to stop a vehicle that was speeding out of a parking lot on Buena Vista Road.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Morris was behind the wheel and did not initially stop for the deputy. When Morris stopped, the U.S. Attorney's Office said he ran across the road toward a store.

Officers found Morris in a bathroom with $1,752 in cash and a small amount of drugs. Officers also found a semi-automatic Glock pistol equipped with a TruGlo laser, a Glock magazine, an extended magazine, bullets and a digital scale in his vehicle.

Morris had prior criminal convictions including aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and aggravated assault.

That's what U.S. Attorney Peter Leary had to say about Morris' case.

“Criminals with long, violent criminal histories who illegally possess firearms can expect federal prosecution and should count on severe penalties,” Leary said. “Law enforcement at every level and throughout the Middle District of Georgia is working to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer.”

Morris will serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.

This case was investigated by the Muscogee County Sheriff's Department and the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals.