Convicted Felon Who Shot at a Cartersville Police Officer Returned to Prison

ROME, Ga. - Jose Rivera has been sentenced to federal prison for the possession of a stolen firearm, which he discharged at a Cartersville police officer, and for the possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

"Rivera's reckless criminal behavior placed the citizens of Cartersville at serious risk," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. "The sentencing of this dangerous felon is an example of our office's commitment to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe."

"The complete disregard shown by Rivera for the safety of civilians, and the law enforcement officer who was shot at, is inexcusable," said Mitchell Jackson, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta's Cartersville Office. "This disturbing trend of attacking law enforcement officers will not be tolerated by the FBI and we will continue to work with our partners in these cases to successfully prosecute dangerous repeat offenders."

"Those that break the law and disregard the safety of our communities in Georgia will be held accountable," said Chris Hosey, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. "The GBI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate these reckless criminal acts that place Georgia communities in danger. This case represents our commitment to upholding the safety of citizens across the state."

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On November 17, 2022, Rivera threw a cinderblock through the front door of a local store in Cartersville, Georgia, after which he entered the store and stole a 9mm pistol. He then went to a Circle K in Cartersville, where he pointed the gun at customers and fired the weapon.

An officer with the Cartersville Police Department arrived at the scene and Rivera fled behind the Circle K. As the officer pursued the suspect, Rivera turned and fired at the officer. The officer returned fire, striking Rivera in the leg and foot. Rivera was arrested and provided with medical treatment. A subsequent investigation revealed that Rivera was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Jose Rivera, 46, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II to 18 years, four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $300. Rivera was convicted on these charges on April 26, 2024, after he pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin A. Leipold, III prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.