Three repeat offenders from Columbus, Georgia, have been sentenced to significant prison terms in federal court as part of "Operation Take Back America," a nationwide initiative targeting violent crime and illegal firearm possession. U.S. District Judge Clay Land handed down the sentences on May 6, emphasizing that there is no parole in the federal system for these offenses.
Travis Dwayne Broadnax, 40, received 137 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His arrest on August 22, 2024, involved a high-speed chase, a crash, and the discovery of a pistol in his vehicle. Broadnax, who has multiple prior felony convictions, later admitted purchasing the firearm from a gang member.
Johnny Foster, III, 47, was sentenced to 87 months in prison and four years of supervised release for the same charge. On February 27, 2025, during a traffic stop, Foster attempted to flee but was apprehended, revealing a loaded pistol and quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana packaged for sale. He has a lengthy criminal history, including prior felony drug convictions.
Clifford E. Thompson, 59, received the longest sentence of 188 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. His arrest on September 20, 2023, during a traffic stop for a seat belt violation, led to the discovery of a semi-automatic pistol, 107 grams of cocaine, suspected marijuana and mushrooms, and cash hidden in his truck. Thompson has three previous felony drug convictions.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said, “Convicted felons with guns will find their criminal cases in federal court, where there is no parole.” He added that law enforcement is working at every level to protect communities and ensure armed repeat offenders are brought to justice. Officials from the ATF, FBI, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Police Department, and the Georgia Department of Public Safety all underscored their collaborative efforts to remove illegal firearms and hold violent offenders accountable, aiming to prevent future violence.