Interstate 75 robber pleads guilty to gun charges
A metro-Atlanta resident who was trafficking methamphetamine through the Middle District of Georgia from an Atlanta source when he attempted to flee police on Interstate 75 was sentenced to serve more than 17 years in federal prison this week for his crime.
Special PhotoFrom staff reports
VALDOSTA – A Florida man arrested following a high-speed chase along Interstate 75 after he robbed a traveler at gunpoint, has pleaded guilty for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Charlie Peeler said.
James Clemente Holloway, 43, of Jacksonville, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon last week before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands. Holloway, a convicted felon, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.
According to the facts the government entered in federal court, Holloway robbed a traveler at gunpoint at the southbound rest area at exit 79 on I-75 in Turner County on the morning of March 12, 2019, holding a gun on the man and demanding money. Holloway took off with the cash.
A BOLO was issued, and Valdosta Sheriff’s deputies spotted Holloway, pursuing him at speeds of up to 110 mph. Holloway changed lanes multiple times, and deputies successfully deployed stop sticks, which caused Holloway’s tires to blow. Holloway was arrested without injury and found in possession of a Taurus .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a small quantity of marijuana and the stolen cash. Holloway has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for felony grand theft auto, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, felony burglary, felony breaking and entering, and felony probation violation.
“Holloway caused a tremendous amount of terror in a short time, robbing a traveler at gunpoint and creating havoc along a busy highway,” Peeler said in a news release. “I want to commend the Turner County and Lowndes County deputies who responded quickly and bravely to a dangerous situation, ultimately bringing the defendant into custody and restoring peace to the community. The penalty is federal prison time for convicted felons caught with firearms, where there is no parole. We will pursue federal prosecutions for convicted felons violating gun laws in this country.”
The case was investigated by the Turner County Sheriff’s Office, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Ellis and Sonja Profit are prosecuting the case for the government.
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