SAVANNAH, GA: Edmund A. Booth, Jr., Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced today the return of a one count indictment against SHAWNTRAIL J. LEE and RASHON DEARAL JACKSON both of Passaic County, New Jersey. The defendants are charged with Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon in violation of Title 18. United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Booth said that the federal charges were brought as part of the Central Savannah River Area Safe Streets Task Force’s efforts to combat violent crimes in the Augusta area. The task force, which is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, consists of various federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

The indictment alleges that on June 24, 2007, in Columbia County, the defendants, both of whom were previously convicted felons, illegally possessed a handgun and several rounds of ammunition. If convicted, Lee faces a sentence of fifteen years to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a period of supervised release of up to five years. If convicted, Jackson faces a sentence of up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and, a period of supervised release of up to three years.

Booth stressed that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The government is being represented by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy C. Greenwood

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