Baldwin County felon found guilty of illegal firearm possession

A Baldwin County man with a violent criminal history was found guilty Tuesday of illegally possessing a firearm during a 2022 traffic stop in Milledgeville, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Baldwin County man with a violent criminal history was found guilty Tuesday of illegally possessing a firearm during a 2022 traffic stop in Milledgeville, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

A news release from the office says 39-year-old Dormaine Mitchell of Milledgeville was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a two-day federal jury trial. He faces up to 15 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be set by the court.

According to trial evidence, a Baldwin County deputy stopped Mitchell on October 13, 2022, after observing him driving into oncoming traffic and off the road near Vinson Highway and Laboratory Road.

The deputy reported smelling alcohol and noticing Mitchell’s slurred speech.

When Mitchell reached for his wallet, the deputy saw the extended magazine of a Glock 22 pistol partially hidden between the driver’s seat and center console. The deputy drew her weapon and ordered Mitchell to place his hands on the steering wheel. After he lowered his right hand, the deputy took cover and called for backup.

At some point, Mitchell moved the pistol to the passenger seat before being taken into custody.

While being escorted to a police vehicle, Mitchell reportedly told an officer, “You better be glad it didn’t go bad,” according to court documents.

Investigators determined he had a prior aggravated assault conviction in Baldwin County Superior Court, making it illegal for him to have a firearm.

“We are relieved that no one was injured in this incident and thankful to the officers who effectively managed a tense and dangerous situation,” Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker said. “Alongside our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously pursue justice against repeat offenders who disregard federal law and illegally possess firearms.”