Georgia man Marcus Thomas, a 39-year-old convicted felon, has been sentenced to over three years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition just days after being released from state prison.
U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty handed down the sentence, which includes an additional three years of supervised release.
The case stems from a July 1, 2022, incident at a Travel Inn motel on Forest Hills Drive in Atlanta. Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers responded to reports of gunfire at the motel. Witnesses informed officers that Thomas, recently released from prison, had been seen with a firearm outside his motel room. Shortly after entering his room, witnesses reported hearing gunshots.
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When officers approached Thomas’s room, they observed evidence of gunfire, including a shattered window. Thomas was detained at the scene, and a subsequent search of his room uncovered a firearm magazine, multiple rounds of ammunition, and spent shell casings. Days later, APD recovered the firearm used in the shooting, concealed inside a fitted sheet tucked into the mattress.
Investigators revealed that Thomas had a long history of criminal activity, including convictions for aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possession of cocaine, and theft by receiving stolen property. He had been released from prison just four days before the motel shooting.
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“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. “Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners, violent repeat offenders like Thomas who risk the lives of others will be brought to justice.”
Sean Burke, FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge, stated, “Thomas is a dangerous felon who resumed his criminal activity shortly after being released from prison. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to do everything possible to ensure criminals are brought to justice.”
Thomas pleaded guilty on August 28, 2024, to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to three years and one month in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
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The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Atlanta Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Thomas M. Forsyth, III prosecuted the case.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said, “The reckless and dangerous actions of Marcus Thomas put innocent lives at risk, and this case exemplifies the Atlanta Police Department’s unwavering commitment to working with our federal partners to remove violent offenders from our streets.”
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