A Savannah man has been convicted in federal court for possessing ammunition as a prohibited person after an incident in October 2021. Charlie Sapp, 58, was found guilty following a two-day trial in U.S. District Court on the charge of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The conviction could result in up to 10 years in prison, followed by supervised release. Federal law does not allow parole.
During the trial, evidence showed that on October 8, 2021, Sapp pointed a firearm at another individual and pulled the trigger three times. An eyewitness called 911, and Savannah Police officers arrived within five minutes, finding two 9mm Luger shell casings at the scene. Analysis by an expert from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) determined that the shell casings were considered ammunition under federal law and were manufactured outside Georgia. This made it a federal offense.
Prosecutors demonstrated that Sapp was barred from possessing ammunition due to prior felony convictions in Chatham County Superior Court. He had previously faced trial for this conduct in November 2022 by the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office; that case did not end with a conviction.
ATF Acting ASAC Robert Davis stated, “Our commitment to public safety is unwavering. The prosecution of individuals who unlawfully possess firearms and ammunition is critical in our efforts to reduce gun violence in our communities.”
“This is a win for all law enforcement involved,” said Lenny B. Gunther, Savannah Chief of Police. “I would like to especially thank the men and women of the ATF for their hard work and diligence in this case.”
The case falls under Operation Take Back America and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), both Department of Justice initiatives designed to address violent crime by coordinating resources among federal, state, and local agencies.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and Savannah Police Department personnel. Special Assistant United States Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura prosecuted the case.
