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LAKELAND, Ga. (WALB) — A man from Lakeland was sentenced Thursday, Jan. 29, for possessing a gun as a convicted felon, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Jan. 30. The gun he was in possession of was reportedly stolen.

Ricky Hill, a 39-year-old, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison. Officials said there is no parole in the federal system.

Hill pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Oct. 1, 2025, the attorney’s office said.

This comes after a September 2024 incident where Valdosta Police (VPD) officers reportedly pulled Hill over for driving at night without headlights or taillights. VPD said that Hill did not have a license and that he began reaching under his seat while an officer instructed him not to.

According to VPD, Hill then fled from the traffic stop, eventually crashing into a utility pole. Hill continued to flee on foot but was located and arrested by officers, VPD said.

While searching the vehicle Hill was driving, officials discovered a stolen Glock firearm under the front seat, a 33-round magazine extension, 35 rounds of 9mm ammunition and $2,565 in total.

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