Men Who Assaulted ATF Agent Sentenced to Combined 39 Years in Federal Prison

In a significant legal development, two individuals in Dallas, Texas, found themselves sentenced to a combined 39 years in federal prison for assaulting an ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) agent and another person during an undercover operation. This case highlights the serious consequences of crimes involving violence against law enforcement officers and felonious possession of firearms.

The Offenders

The two men involved in this case, Decorian Lynndale Titus, aged 19, and Damon Gentry, aged 23, faced charges through a criminal complaint in May 2023, followed by an indictment in June of the same year. Both Titus and Gentry pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including:

1. Assaulting certain officers.
2. Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
3. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentencing

The sentencing phase of the trial occurred in September 2023 when U.S. District Judge Reed C. O'Connor handed down the punishment. Decorian Lynndale Titus received a 27-year sentence, while Damon Gentry was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. These sentences underscore the gravity of their actions during the undercover operation.

The Incident

The events leading to this legal action unfolded on May 18, 2023, when an undercover ATF agent arranged a meeting with Titus and Gentry to purchase marijuana and firearms. During this encounter, the situation took a dangerous turn when the defendants brandished their firearms, threatened the ATF agent, and demanded both money and the agent's firearm.

Titus forcibly took the agent's gun and money and ordered him to the ground, making threats against the other individual present. In a harrowing moment, Titus and Gentry fled the scene, leaving the victims in a perilous situation. As they made their escape, Titus pointed his firearms at officers who were nearby. In response, the officers fired at Titus, hitting him and causing him to drop one of his pistols, which discharged a shot. Titus was arrested on the spot, while Gentry managed to escape but was apprehended later.

Law Enforcement Cooperation

The investigation into this incident was a collaborative effort involving various law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ATF, Texas Rangers, Fort Worth Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Decorian Lynndale Titus and Damon Gentry serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal consequences for those who commit violent acts against law enforcement officers and engage in criminal firearm possession. It also highlights the dedication and cooperation among various law enforcement agencies in ensuring justice is served and our communities remain safe.

Rochester Man Charged with Firebombing Store

BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Taj Williams, 30, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with causing or attempting to cause malicious damage or destruction, by means of fire or explosives, of a building used in interstate commerce. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who handled the case, stated that according to the complaint, on January 18, 2015, the defendant set fire to the Chili Express convenience store at 989 Chili Avenue in Rochester using a Molotov cocktail.  A fire previously occurred at the store on November 5, 2012, which ruined much of the merchandise and caused structural damage.

The defendant made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and is being detained pending a court appearance on October 2, 2015, at 9:00 a.m.    

The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid, New York Field Division, the Rochester Fire Department, Fire Investigation Unit, under the direction of Chief John Schreiber, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.