Quentin Hall, a 30-year-old resident of Valdosta, Georgia, pleaded guilty on April 8 to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Hall faces up to life in prison following his plea before Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. A sentencing date will be set by the court, and there is no parole in the federal system.
The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address repeat offenders who pose risks to public safety through armed criminal activity.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hall was pulled over for a traffic violation on November 26, 2024, in Moultrie but did not immediately stop. He drove into an apartment complex before fleeing from officers while carrying a bookbag. During the pursuit, Hall pointed a loaded handgun at a pursuing officer and told him to “go on” before continuing his attempt to escape. Officers later recovered the firearm and found several small baggies containing cocaine and other drugs inside Hall’s backpack.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said: “Armed repeat offenders will face steep federal penalties when they choose to endanger the community with ongoing criminal conduct, especially when possessing firearms.” Keyes also said: “This case highlights the constant danger police encounter as they work to keep our streets safe and uphold the law. I commend the Moultrie police officer and all dedicated law enforcement personnel who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities and work for justice.”
ATF Atlanta’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Davis said: “This case underscores the importance of collaboration between agencies, as we work tirelessly to protect our communities from harm.”
Hall has three prior state convictions for drug distribution—two in Colquitt County and one in Bulloch County—and it is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Moultrie Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Daniels and Tamara Jarrett are prosecuting this case as part of Operation Take Back America.
