Ryan K. Buchanan U.S. Attorney | US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia
Marcus Thomas, a previously convicted felon, has been sentenced to federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition. "Thomas was released from state prison only a few days before he illegally obtained a firearm and indiscriminately shot through a motel window, endangering the lives of others within the community," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. He further stated that efforts by law enforcement partners ensure that violent repeat offenders like Thomas face justice.
FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke commented on the case: "Thomas is a dangerous felon who resumed his criminal activity shortly after being released from prison." He assured that the FBI and law enforcement partners will continue to work towards bringing criminals to justice.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum emphasized the commitment of local authorities in collaboration with federal agencies to remove violent offenders from streets: "The reckless and dangerous actions of Marcus Thomas put innocent lives at risk."
On July 1, 2022, officers from the Atlanta Police Department responded to shots fired at Travel Inn on Forest Hills Drive in Atlanta. Witnesses identified Marcus Thomas as having fired gunshots after entering his motel room. Officers found evidence including shell casings and ammunition magazine inside the room. The firearm used was later recovered hidden inside a mattress.
FBI special agents discovered that Thomas had recently completed a sentence for aggravated assault and had been released four days prior to this incident. His past convictions include terroristic threats, possession of cocaine, and theft by receiving stolen property.
U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty sentenced Marcus Thomas, aged 39, from Atlanta, Georgia, to three years and one month in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon after pleading guilty on August 28, 2024.
The case was investigated by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Atlanta Police Department with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Thomas M. Forsyth III prosecuting it under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This program aims at reducing violent crime through strategic law enforcement collaborations focusing on fostering trust within communities while prioritizing safety initiatives.
For more information regarding this case or related inquiries please contact U.S Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or call (404) 581-6016.
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