COLUMBUS, Ga. – A confirmed member of the Gangster Disciples was sentenced to serve more than 17 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm that was linked to a domestic violence assault through ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

Megail Thirkield, 34, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Oct. 26 by U.S. District Judge Clay Land after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on July 18. The defendant is not eligible for parole.

“There are serious repercussions for violent offenders caught with firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case is another example of law enforcement taking advantage of proven ballistics technology like NIBIN to help solve gun cases and bring dangerous individuals to justice.”

“ATF’s mission and priority are to deny criminals access to firearms and protect the rights of law-abiding citizens. When offenders illegally possess firearms that can be used against our citizens, our children and our community, ATF takes this very seriously,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.

“Guns, gangs and acts of violence create a combination that yields a bad outcome,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work hand-in-hand with our federal partners to alleviate all threats that may impose any type of harm to the...