Two defendants await sentencing after pleading guilty in shooting, armed carjacking during drug deal Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Georgia Byline: Barry L. Paschal Dateline: Savannah, Georgia Date: 2 October 2024 Subjects: American Government , Crime

Authorities are seeking lead defendant in the investigation

SAVANNAH, GA:  Two Chatham County men await sentencing after pleading guilty to charges stemming from an armed carjacking in Savannah, while investigators are seeking the third defendant in the case.

Brandon McCall Williams, a/k/a “Doughboy,” 33, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Methamphetamine and Heroin; Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; and Conspiracy to Use a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and a Drug Trafficking Crime, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

At the start of his trial on Sept. 23, Robert Moss, a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 33, of Savannah, agreed to plead guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and also awaits sentencing. Williams faces up to 65 years in prison, while Moss faces up to 10 years. There is no parole in the federal system.

“This violent crime exemplifies the dangers of drugs, guns and gangs to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Our law enforcement partners need the public’s assistance in apprehending the fugitive in this case, and delivering justice for the wounded victim.”

As described in court documents and testimony, a drug dealer – identified as M.M. – met the defendants in the parking lot of a Savannah apartment complex in October 2021 to sell them large amounts methamphetamine and heroin. Instead, the three men robbed M.M. at gunpoint, taking his bag containing drugs, cash and a firearm, and then shot M.M. in the buttocks when he escaped.

The defendants then stole M.M.’s vehicle and fled, leaving behind a pickup that had been rented by Williams. Port Wentworth police recovered Williams’ personally owned car with the bag and drugs in it after a brief car chase from which Williams escaped. Williams and Moss later were located and taken into custody.

Also indicted in the case was Graylyn Simmons, a/k/a “Shake,” a/k/a “Crane,” 28, of Savannah. Anyone with information on Simmons is asked to contact the FBI at 800-Call FBI (800-225-5324).

The indictment naming Simmons includes only charges. He is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood will schedule sentencing for Williams and Moss upon completion of presentence investigations by U.S. Probation Services.

“Williams and Moss participated in a violent act to profit off illegal drugs,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Ozden. “We work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to work hand in hand to disrupt and ultimately triumph over the shadow of drug trafficking, making our communities safer places to live.”

“This investigation showcases the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to rid our streets of violent offenders,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. “Through close collaboration and relentless pursuit, we will continue to dismantle criminal networks and protect the citizens of Savannah from those who seek to bring chaos and violence.”

This case is being investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Savannah Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Frank M. Pennington II.

Barry L. Paschal, Public Affairs Officer: 912-652-4422

Updated October 2, 2024

Press Release Number: 59-24