Columbus man with prior violent offenses gets new prison time in federal gun case

A Columbus man previously convicted of assault and battery was sentenced to more than nine and a half years in prison last week in a new federal case.

Devontae Jammell Morris, 29, was sentenced after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a gun. He was arrested November 2022 after a high-speed chase with a Muscogee County sheriff’s deputy. He drove away from an attempted traffic stop and ran into a store on Old Buena Vista Road, where deputies found him with over $1,700 worth of cash, some illegal drugs and a Glock pistol.

Morris has multiple felony convictions in Muscogee County, include aggravated assault and aggravated battery. In a press release from the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said prosecuting prior criminals with guns is a priority for federal officials.

“Felons with lengthy violent criminal histories who illegally possess guns can expect federal prosecution and should count on stiff sentences,” he said. “Law enforcement at every level and across the Middle District of Georgia is working to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. Greg Countryman, the Muscogee County sheriff, said the case set an important precedent in the county.

“This is a clear example of what happens when a convicted felon is caught possessing a gun. It’s illegal,” Countryman said. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to remove guns from the hands of violent offenders.”

Morris will also face three years of supervised release once he gets out of prison, federal officials said.