Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Columbus Man Convicted on Drug & Firearm Charges
Dyrell Leshaun Davis, age 32, of Columbus, Georgia was convicted, following a 3-day jury trial, on January 6, 2016, on one count of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land was the presiding judge.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on April 25, 2014, officers with the Special Operations Unit of the Columbus Police Department executed a search warrant at Mr. Davis' residence based upon a controlled buy of marijuana that had been made from him at the residence during the previous week. The search revealed approximately 48 grams of packaged marijuana, found hidden inside a bedroom light fixture; a small digital hand held scale; and a loaded handgun found in the kitchen garbage can. The firearm had been reported stolen in July 2013.
Mr. Davis has two prior felony convictions for aggravated assault in Muscogee Superior Court, one in March 2003 and in March 2008.
"Guns and drugs are a deadly combination under any circumstances. When the person who possesses them has previously been twice convicted of violent felonies, it becomes even more so, making the prosecution of this type of case so important for safety in the community," said Acting United States Attorney G. F. "Pete" Peterman, III.
Possession of a controlled substance carries a maximum sentence of five ( 5) years in prison. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Mr. Davis will be sentenced in about 60 days following a presentence investigation. He remains in custody following this conviction.
The case was investigated by Columbus Police Department's Lead Investigator S/A Robert Yates and S/A Will Panoke, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Mel Hyde is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney's Office at 478-621-2603.
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