Valdosta man convicted of domestic violence faces 15 years in prison for illegally possessing firearms (DOJ)

Albany, Ga. - A Valdosta resident is facing up to 15 years in federal prison after he admitted to illegally possessing three firearms, including a stolen machine gun, when he was taken into custody for a probation violation for a prior domestic violence misdemeanor conviction.

"Individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms can expect to be held accountable at the federal level, especially when they have a violent criminal history and illegally possess a machine gun," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "This case underscores that people with prior domestic violence convictions, including misdemeanors, are generally prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. Working with law enforcement, we are identifying repeat offenders with violent criminal pasts and bringing them to justice."

"Individuals prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms cannot disregard that prohibition without consequences-especially when the weapons involved include an illegal machine gun," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Graves. "This conviction demonstrates the strength of our partnership with the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office and our shared commitment to protecting communities from armed repeat offenders."

"We appreciate the strong cooperation we have with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, which helps us keep repeat offenders with guns off the streets," said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk. "Their collaboration with our office is essential in ensuring these individuals are held accountable."

Eddie Arnold, 24, of Valdosta, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime of domestic violence before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner on September 21. Arnold faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment to be followed by a maximum term of supervised release of three years and a maximum fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements in court, Arnold was wanted for probation violation for a prior domestic violence conviction. Investigators arrested Arnold on Jan. 9, 2025, at his residence on Ponderosa Drive in Valdosta. Investigators obtained a search warrant and found two semiautomatic firearms and a 9mm Glock stolen from Gainesville, Florida, with a machine gun conversion device attached, located in Arnold's bedroom. Arnold was previously convicted of simple battery family violence in Lowndes County and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 Lowndes County Sheriff's Office are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit is prosecuting the case for the Government.