News Summary
Police arrested a 35-year-old man, James T. Campbell, in Savannah for creating illegal ghost guns, which are firearms that can be assembled from parts purchased online. Officers discovered 18 firearms, accessories, and narcotics during a raid at his home. Campbell now faces multiple serious charges, highlighting the rising concern over ghost guns in the community and the authorities’ commitment to addressing this dangerous issue.
James T. Campbell Arrested for Making Illegal Ghost Guns in Savannah
In a startling development in Savannah, police have arrested a 35-year-old man, James T. Campbell, amid a growing concern over the manufacturing and distribution of illegal ghost guns. These firearms, which can be assembled from parts found online or through gun shows, are notorious for being untraceable and pose serious risks to community safety. This arrest was made by the Savannah Police Department (SPD) after an extensive investigation into Campbell’s activities.
Early Morning Raid Lands Suspect in Handcuffs
On the early morning of February 21, 2025, police teams from SPD’s Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU) and SWAT swooped into action at around 5 a.m. They executed a search warrant at Campbell’s home located on the 300 block of Edgewater Rd. What officers discovered was quite shocking. Inside, they found a total of 18 firearms, numerous firearm accessories, parts intended for firearm assembly, manufacturing tools specifically for making guns, and even tactical gear. To make matters worse, police also uncovered narcotics and drug paraphernalia during their search.
Charges Stacked Against Campbell
Campbell’s luck ran out as he was taken into custody and now faces serious charges. He is looking at four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and three counts of possession of dangerous weapons. This isn’t Campbell’s first brush with the law. He has a lengthy history of arrests dating back to 2013, with previous offenses including theft by shoplifting, burglary, and even charges of cruelty to children and aggravated battery just a few months prior to his recent arrest.
Local Police and Federal Authorities Join Forces
Savannah’s Chief of Police highlighted the importance of this arrest and commended the hard work done by investigators and their federal partners. This operation has successfully dismantled what could have been a significant threat to the community by removing both a dangerous individual and a cache of untraceable weapons.
The Growing Ghost Gun Issue
The world of ghost guns has recently gained notoriety, particularly as their use has surged in crime statistics. These homemade firearms can easily be created from kits, 3-D printers, and parts readily available online. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has noted a worrying increase in the recovery of these privately made firearms, which are frequently linked to crimes that put everyday citizens at risk.
Legislation Tightening Rules on Ghost Guns
In 2023, U.S. Congress took steps to curb the rise of ghost guns by granting the ATF more authority to regulate these weapons through Senate Bill 2652. This legislative move aims to help local law enforcement agencies clamp down on the unregulated distribution and creation of ghost guns. Meanwhile, the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are gearing up to take on the prosecution of cases related to illegal firearms, with a particular focus on ghost guns.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Training
The investigation into Campbell’s activities is far from over, as authorities are diligently piecing together further details of his manufacturing operations. As part of their commitment to combat this growing problem, the SPD hosted Ghost Gun Training last year and continues to collaborate with various federal partners to ensure that Savannah remains a safe place for everyone.
Conclusion
As the community breathes a sigh of relief following Campbell’s arrest, awareness around the dangers of ghost guns is becoming increasingly crucial. The steps taken by the Savannah Police Department showcase their dedication to keeping the streets safe and sending a clear message that illegal firearms will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: James T. Campbell Arrested for Ghost Guns
- WTOC: Savannah Police Arrest in Illegal Gun Manufacturing Case
- Savannah Now: What is a Ghost Gun?
- AOL: Savannah’s Increasing Ghost Gun Issue
- NBC Philadelphia: What to Know About Ghost Guns
- Wikipedia: Ghost Gun
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
