A federal grand jury recently convicted a Columbus man with a violent criminal history on armed methamphetamine trafficking charges, including possession of more than five grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is now facing a “maximum sentence of 40 years in prison followed by a minimum of four years of supervised release and a maximum $500,00 fine for distributing methamphetamine and a maximum of 10 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for illegally possessing a firearm.”

The Attorney General’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia said that an investigation into his background revealed a 20-year-long criminal history, including past convictions for kidnapping, false imprisonment, robbery, terroristic threats, multiple drug distribution charges, and two separate convictions for aggravated assault.

Yet, he was somehow out walking the streets with the ability to hurt others.

“One of our main goals is to protect our community from violent offenders like [the convicted], who was engaged in reckless and destructive offenses. This investigation demonstrates our continued commitment to removing violent criminals and drug traffickers from our streets,” said Columbus Police Chief Freddie Blackmon.

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The courts and legislatures around our country need to balance the importance of reintegration after incarceration with the safety of their communities. Like most issues, it is a complex topic, but the stakes are too high not to work together for a better solution.

As always, Hire Image is here to help. Please contact us if you have any questions about the effects of #recidivism or your own background screening practices.