Eric Jerome Tooley, a resident of Hahira, Georgia, was sentenced on April 23 to more than 17 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after firing shots inside a Valdosta convenience store. The sentencing took place in Albany before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Sands following Tooley’s guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities said the incident occurred on Feb. 19, 2025, when Valdosta Police responded to gunshots at the Mega Mart on North Lee Street. Surveillance footage showed Tooley becoming agitated with the cashier over a lighter and firing his pistol between two customers inside the store. He was apprehended near East Jane Street shortly after the incident. Tooley has prior felony convictions for drug distribution in Cobb County and Lowndes County, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said, “Convicted felons with guns who threaten public safety will be prosecuted federally and held accountable under the law.” Keyes added that cooperation with law enforcement is key to protecting communities and ensuring armed repeat offenders are brought to justice.
Robert Davis, Resident Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), said: “This defendant’s actions showed a complete disregard for human life—firing inside a business and endangering innocent bystanders.” Davis also stated that ATF would continue working with local police departments “to ensure repeat violent offenders are removed from our communities and held fully accountable in federal court.” Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan commented: “This case is a great example of the importance of collaboration between local, state and federal partners… We thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their diligence and leadership in prosecuting this violent offender and helping to protect our community.”
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia advances community wellness by promoting cooperation with law enforcement agencies according to its official website. The office maintains facilities in Macon, Albany and Columbus according to its official website, serves about two million residents across seventy counties according to its official website, covers an area including cities such as Macon, Albany and Columbus according to its official website, prosecutes federal crimes like drug trafficking or terrorism while handling civil litigation on behalf of the United States according to its official website, operates as part of the Department of Justice according to its official website, works jointly with local authorities across central Georgia covering roughly twenty-five thousand square miles according to its official website.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative involving resources from several Department of Justice programs aimed at combating violent crime.
