Defendant pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearm

ROME, Ga. – Jermaine Courtney Brown, a suspected member of the Gangster Disciples gang, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while a convicted felon.

“Brown’s continued criminal behavior jeopardizes the safety of our citizens and shows an utter disregard for the law,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Through the committed and collaborative work of our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously prosecute those who illegally possess firearms within our community.”

“The FBI is committed to pursuing anyone who violates federal law and is a threat to our community,” said J.C. “Chris” Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.  “Brown’s persistent criminal behavior in support of a major gang will not be tolerated and the FBI will use all its resources to remove the threat and protect our citizens.” 

“The Cedartown Police Department is committed to working together as a team with local, state, and federal agencies to make our neighborhoods safer by holding those accountable who commit violent crimes in our communities,” said Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome.

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Around January 30, 2018, Cedartown Police Department officers observed Brown walking along an intersection in Cedartown, Georgia. The officers were familiar with Brown based on his prior contacts with law enforcement and his suspected membership in the Gangster Disciples gang.  The officers were also aware of an outstanding arrest warrant for Brown, stemming from an arrest in February 2017 for possessing a firearm as a felon.

Brown ran when he saw the officers and the officers pursued him on foot and by a patrol car. After a short chase, Brown was apprehended and arrested. Following his arrest, Brown stated that he was carrying a gun in his pants.  He also asked one of the officers, “can’t you just throw [the firearm] in the bushes? I already have too many charges on me.”

In addition to recovering a loaded Taurus Millennium PT145PRO .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, the officers also recovered approximately 26.9 grams of marijuana and a digital scale. Brown was convicted in 2008 of possession of cocaine in the Superior Court of Floyd County, Georgia.

Jermaine Courtney Brown, 28, of Cedartown, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced at 2:00 p.m. on November 30, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Harold L. Murphy.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedartown Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzette A. Smikle is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.