Columbus gang member sentenced to nearly six years for gun charge

A Columbus gang member has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison followed by three years of court-ordered supervision for a gun charge, according to the Department of Justice.

Kendaryl Rogers a.k.a “Elajuwon Rogers,” 30, of Columbus was arrested in Columbia, S.C., in March 2021 for pending murder charges in Georgia, according to the release.

U.S. Marshals observed Rogers carrying a black bag to a vehicle at a Holiday Inn Express in Columbia, according to the DOJ.

The release said U.S. Marshals saw an American Tactical, Omni Hybrid, Multi-Caliber Pistol on top of the bag in the trunk while approaching Rogers to arrest him.

The DOJ said Rogers was on bond at the time for kidnapping, battery and other charges.

Rogers was also wanted for arrest on 18 additional felony charges including malice murder, two counts of felony murder, six counts related to the Georgia gang statute, multiple firearm charges and other charges.

The FBI recovered a video by Rogers broadcast to social media pointing the gun at the camera numerous times and determined Rogers left his DNA and fingerprints on the weapon, according to the release.

The FBI also recovered a recorded jail call in which Rogers tells the other caller the gun is “brand new, it wasn’t ever used in nothing, the gun was brand new,” according to the DOJ.