Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Joshua Timothy Rex, a convicted felon, has entered a guilty plea for possessing two firearms which he intended to use on the Reinhardt University campus. U.S. authorities shared that Rex was intercepted by law enforcement as he was on his way to confront a student.
"Rex is a repeat violent offender who placed the citizens of Cherokee County and the Reinhardt University community at serious risk by bringing guns to campus in anticipation of an encounter with a student," noted Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. "We are relieved that local law enforcement intervened before Rex harmed anyone, and we are grateful for the collaborative efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners who aided this successful prosecution."
Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons added, "Rex posed a serious threat to the public. Identifying and apprehending Rex shows that ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue to utilize all resources to protect the community."
According to courtroom records presented by Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, Jr., Rex is legally barred from firearm possession due to prior felony drug and domestic violence convictions. Despite this, on July 20, 2024, Rex armed himself with two loaded firearms and extra ammunition, and traveled to Reinhardt University. Law enforcement was alerted through a 911 call revealing Rex’s intention to harm a student.
Officers from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the Reinhardt University Department of Public Safety arrested Rex upon his arrival on campus, charging him with driving under the influence and firearm possession on campus. Rex later confessed his intentions to federal agents.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2025, in front of Senior United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.
The case investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and received assistance from local authorities. The prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wylly.
This case is part of "Operation Take Back America," a Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and violent crime.
For additional information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone at (404) 581-6016. More details about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia are available at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
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