A Milledgeville man with a previous aggravated assault conviction has been sentenced to over eleven years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm during a standoff with Baldwin County deputies in 2022.
Dormaine Mitchell, 39, received a sentence of 140 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release from U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on August 19. Mitchell was convicted on April 8 after a two-day trial for one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
“Repeat offenders convicted of violent crimes have no business carrying a gun. Felons who illegally possess firearms will be federally prosecuted for breaking the law and endangering others,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “This case demonstrates the risk our law enforcement partners face daily, and I am thankful for their commitment to public safety.”
“A prohibited person in possession of stolen firearms is a clear and present danger to our communities,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka of the Atlanta Field Division. “We are incredibly grateful for the courage and quick action of our law enforcement partners who responded to this high-risk situation. Their dedication ensured a safe outcome for everyone involved. ATF is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners as we work together to protect the public and pursue justice.”
“The defendant has repeatedly caused issues in our community through his criminal behavior. We are very grateful that his case has gone federal, ensuring he is held accountable for his crimes,” said Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee.
According to evidence presented at trial, Mitchell was stopped by a Baldwin County Sheriff’s deputy on October 13, 2022, after being observed driving erratically near Vinson Highway and Laboratory Road. The deputy noted signs of intoxication including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol. During the stop, an extended magazine from a Glock 22 pistol was visible between the driver’s seat and center console when Mitchell reached for his wallet. The officer drew her weapon and gave commands while calling for backup; more officers arrived before Mitchell was taken into custody without incident.
Mitchell told officers during his arrest, “You better be glad it didn’t go bad.” He has an extensive criminal record that includes an aggravated assault conviction from Baldwin County Superior Court.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Milledgeville Police Department and Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, which coordinates efforts among various agencies within the Department of Justice to address violent crime through initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs).
U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case.
