Grand Rapids Reporter

George William Henry, a 48-year-old resident of Kalamazoo, has been sentenced to 106 months in federal prison for firearm possession and drug trafficking offenses. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, announced the sentencing as part of Safe Summer 2023, a program aimed at prosecuting individuals involved with firearms used in crimes.

"Everyone, no matter where they live, has a right to live free from gun violence," stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "Our Safe Summer program is one tool to make this right a reality. This program keeps us focused on those few individuals – like George Henry – who are driving violence in our communities."

Henry was found with an assault rifle equipped with a bump stock and high-capacity drum magazine, a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun, and cocaine packaged for sale during a police search of his home on January 25, 2023. He had previous convictions for gun and drug felonies.

Additional charges against Henry for possessing another firearm and drugs on August 9, 2023 were dismissed under a plea agreement; however, he agreed that this conduct could be considered in his sentencing. The weapon involved was linked to a homicide case via the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

During a traffic stop on November 4, 2023, authorities found Henry with another gun and drugs. This weapon was also linked via NIBIN to two earlier shootings in Kalamazoo.

The Safe Summer program's second year was announced by U.S. Attorney Mark Totten on May 23, 2024. The initiative targets cases involving federal firearms offenses and crime guns—those previously fired during crimes—focusing efforts on reducing community violence.

Gun violence remains significant across the United States. In 2021 it became the leading cause of death among American children aged birth to 19 years according to the New England Journal of Medicine. Although rates have declined since then according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they remain elevated.

Studies indicate gun violence disproportionately affects people of color more than others. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed disparities in shooting injuries among children tripled between white children and children of color during four major cities before and after COVID-19 pandemic impacts.

This case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which involves collaboration between various levels of law enforcement agencies alongside local communities aiming towards reducing violent crime effectively through localized strategies.

Investigation into this particular case was conducted by both Kalamazoo Department Public Safety officers along with Drug Enforcement Administration agents while Assistant United States Attorney Timothy VerHey handled prosecution proceedings relatedly against defendant Mr.George W.Henry