Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Columbus Men Sentenced for Helping Supply Stolen Guns to Rival Gangs
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Two Columbus residents who admitted to helping supply stolen guns to warring criminal street gangs in the community were sentenced to federal prison today.
Daquan Braxton, 20, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Jan. 23.
Tarcus Sanders, aka “TJ,” 22, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Jan. 24.
U.S. District Judge Clay Land handed down the sentences on April 9. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our office prioritizes the prosecutions of gun traffickers supplying stolen firearms to criminal organizations, which pose a serious threat to a community’s safety,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Firearms traffickers and straw purchasers—individuals who purchase guns for those who are prohibited from possessing them—will be held accountable at the federal level for illegally providing guns to dangerous people.”
“The unlawful acquisition and selling of firearms are serious crimes that feed and intensify the violence that plagues so many communities," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. "This investigation illustrates the collective resolve of ATF and our law enforcement partners working together to make a safer community.”
The following co-defendants entered guilty pleas:
Joshua Holland aka “Lou” aka “Luke,” 24, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Jan. 24, and faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count;
Robert Holman, 34, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Feb. 13, and faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine;
James David Lowery, 28, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Feb. 27, and faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and
Jerry Starks aka “John Hill,” 31, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Feb. 24, and faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, the co-conspirators admitted to stealing firearms from area businesses in 2022 to sell to warring criminal street gangs in Columbus, including the Zohannon and the Marlo organizations. Sanders admitted to taking part in the burglary of the Northside Money Mizer Pawn Shop on Manchester Expressway in Columbus on Aug. 9, 2022. At approximately 1:35 a.m., co-defendant Holland crashed a stolen car through the front door of the pawn shop. Holland entered the business and stole five firearms, while Sanders and other co-conspirators assisted by carrying the stolen guns or acting as lookouts. Five firearms were stolen: two pistols and three rifles.
On Sept. 7, 2022, around 1:46 a.m., Holland and his co-conspirators—including Braxton—forced entry into A Better Pawn on 2nd Ave in Columbus and stole 19 firearms. Prior to the burglary, Sanders admitted that he and some of his co-conspirators scoped out the store and checked its locks to prepare for and carry out the burglary. The co-conspirators stole 11 rifles, seven shotguns and one pistol from the store.
On Sept. 16, 2022, the Money Mizer Pawn shop in Phenix City, Alabama, was burglarized. Six burglars, including Braxton, forced entry into the store and stole eight firearms. The Phenix City Police Department (PCPD) responded to an alarm call at the store and encountered a white Ford- F-150 truck backed up to the front door. The truck sped off and the chase ended when the truck got stuck in a ditch. Braxton and Holland were arrested, and the firearms were recovered.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, the Phenix City Police Department and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case for the Government.