Valdosta Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm Used in Assault

ALBANY, Ga. - A Valdosta resident with more than a dozen prior felony convictions in Georgia and Florida was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing a firearm after police responded to a victim who was beaten and pistol-whipped by the defendant.

"Violent armed repeat offenders who continually ignore the law and disturb the peace will be held accountable at the federal level for their crimes," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "Working alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners through the Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods, our office is identifying and bringing to justice the most egregious offenders."

"ATF is committed to holding repeat offenders accountable and putting an end to their cycle of violence," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. "Our communities are safer when those who consistently break our laws and threaten our safety are brought to justice."

"The removal of violent career criminals from our community is not something that we can do alone. Through our continued partnership with our federal law enforcement partners and through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are sending a clear message that those who repeatedly endanger our community will be held accountable," said Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. "These collaborative efforts with our federal partners will continue to make a difference in keeping our neighborhoods safe."

Charvez Thompson, 33, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner on July 29. Thompson previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on April 2. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Valdosta Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence on June 22, 2024, in response to an assault. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim with visible injuries, including a head hematoma, after being struck by Thompson with a handgun wrapped in tape. Thompson initially denied assaulting the victim, claiming that the victim struck him first. However, officers observed no visible injuries on Thompson. A small-caliber leather holster was found attached to Thompson's left boot, and a revolver that was wrapped in electrical tape and loaded with seven rounds was located hidden in his truck. The victim identified the firearm as the one used in the assault, a fact corroborated by a witness. Thompson has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. As a convicted felon, it is illegal for him to possess a firearm.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels is prosecuting the case for the Government.