Category: US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to two years in prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing a machine gun.

According to court documents, on Feb. 1, 2023, detectives with the Richmond Police Department saw Dai’Quan Jarrvel Lane, 23, displaying a firearm in a live social media video feed. The detectives knew Lane was a convicted felon and, based on past encounters, believed him to be in the Whitcomb Court area. Officers arrived at Whitcomb Court within minutes of the live video ending and encountered Lane outside. When officers tried to stop Lane, he led them on a foot chase. During the chase, he tossed a firearm. That firearm turned out to be a privately made firearm with a machine-gun conversion device affixed to the back. It was loaded and outfitted with a 30-round extended magazine.

Lane admitted that not only did he possess the firearm, but that he had been on his way to sell it for $750 when officers located him.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Schulz and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Norman prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for case number 3:23-cr-62.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

FORT MYERS, Fla. — U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nicholas Munson Troemner, 41, of Marco Island, today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Troemner faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on Feb. 16, 2023, in North Fort Myers, Troemner was in possession of a loaded Taurus pistol. At the time, Troemner had multiple prior felony firearm and drug-related convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Troemner agreed to forfeit the pistol and ammunition as part of a plea agreement.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Morgan.

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 of Justice 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.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

BILLINGS, Mont. — A Hardin felon who illegally possessed firearms and used them to kill eagles and sell their parts for profit was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Harvey Alvin Hugs, 60, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to felon in possession of firearms.

Hugs’ sentence is to run concurrently to a three-year prison sentence he received in U.S. District Court in South Dakota for conviction of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act because his crimes there were deemed as relevant conduct to his firearms offense.  

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that Hugs was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was convicted in 2002 of felony involuntary manslaughter in U.S. District Court in Montana and was sentenced in 2014 for two separate state felony convictions in Big Horn County. Hugs illegally possessed firearms and used them to kill eagles and sell their parts for profit. Hugs engaged in this conduct for more than a year and sold multiple eagle parts to the same informant. When law enforcement executed a search warrant of Hugs’ property in March 2021, officers recovered ammunition in his home; a loaded rifle, spent shells, ammunition and eagle parts in his white Chevrolet Silverado; and another rifle, two boxes of ammunition, spent shells and eagle feathers in his red Chevrolet Silverado. The investigation recovered body parts from 21 different eagles.

Hugs was charged and convicted in a jury trial in U.S. District Court in South Dakota on three counts of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act for the sale and shipment of eagle parts to the informant. Hugs was sentenced to one year in prison on each count, to run consecutively, and ordered to pay $70,000 restitution. Hugs has appealed the restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

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.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

FORT MYERS, Fla. — U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jonnetric Devonte Ivey, 30, of Fort Myers, today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Ivey faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, on March 22, 2023, Ivey was stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for a traffic stop. Ivey made a throwing motion prior to complying with the deputy’s demands. In the same area of the throwing motion, deputies located a loaded Taurus pistol. DNA evidence later linked Ivey to the loaded pistol. At the time, Ivey was a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Ivey agreed to forfeit the loaded pistol as a part of the plea agreement.

This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Morgan.

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 of Justice 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.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

LOS ANGELES – Seven members of a San Fernando Valley drug trafficking crew were indicted on a 15-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they ran an operation that sold cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. Law enforcement arrested four of the seven defendants earlier this morning.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) led the three-year joint investigation that included numerous controlled buys and interdictions of narcotics.

Giselle Buraye, 23, aka “Giselle Haidy Dykhouse,” aka “Bandida,” aka “bandida.loka,” of Van Nuys; Efren Meraz Jr., 35, aka “Jr.,” aka “Junior,” of Sylmar; Max Roman-Betancourt, 41, of Sunland; and Esteban Armas, 36, of Panorama City, were arrested. Those arrested are scheduled for arraignment this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Oscar Alejandro Melendez, 50, aka “Ozzy,” aka “Oz,” of Van Nuys, and Robert Carlton Lavilette, 68, of Ventura, are expected to be arraigned in the coming days.

Sarkis Kyurkchian, 40, aka “Z,” aka “Sam,” of North Hollywood, is a fugitive and is being sought by law enforcement. 

As part of this case, law enforcement seized 19 kilograms (42 pounds) of methamphetamine, 58 kilograms (128 pounds) of cocaine, 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of fentanyl powder and two firearms. Law enforcement estimates that the value of the drugs seized exceeds $1 million. Throughout this case, more than $150,000 in U.S. currency was seized.

During search warrants executed today at five locations in the San Fernando Valley, law enforcement seized more than 14 firearms, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, $153,000 in U.S. currency and various narcotics.

“Reducing violent crime in our community and throughout our country is the priority of ATF,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere. “This case illustrates the importance of genuine relationships between law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe. Stopping the illegal and highly dangerous flow of narcotics by this ring will make the Valley safer tonight.”

“The culmination of this investigation is an example of the strong partnerships built between federal and local law enforcement agencies focused on combatting drug and gun trafficking,” said DEA Ventura Resident Office, Resident Agent in Charge Ryan Olson. “Members of this criminal organization were involved in the distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that are poisoning our communities. DEA is committed to making our communities safer by removing violent offenders and dangerous drugs from the streets. We will continue to push forward and utilize all necessary resources to dismantle the largest criminal organizations negatively impacting our communities.”

“Powerfully addictive drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine devastate families and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “With these charges we have dismantled a drug trafficking organization that put profits over people’s lives. We will continue to do everything in our power to make sure every resident has an opportunity to live in safety.”

According to the federal grand jury indictment, Buraye, Melendez and Meraz spearheaded the operation by obtaining the fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and cocaine. The trio, along with Kyurkchian, would provide the drugs to Lavilette and Bentancourt, who would then sell the drugs in the streets. Armas would store the narcotics. Buraye and Melendez would also sell the drugs to customers.

All defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

Buraye is also charged with possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession and intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. In March 2022, she sold more than 700 fentanyl pills in controlled purchases. 

On April 14, 2021, Buraye and Mendez allegedly sold approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills and were charged with aiding and abetting, and distribution of fentanyl. 

On April 28, 2021, a controlled sale occurred with Buraye selling approximately 100 fentanyl pills and brokering a sale by Kyurkchian (a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing a firearm) of a .45 caliber pistol and 893 grams (approximately 1.9 pounds) of methamphetamine, the indictment alleges. This resulted in Kyurkchian being charged with being a felon in possession and aiding and abetting with distribution of methamphetamine. 

According to the indictment, on May 12, 2021, Buraye, Melendez and Kyurkchian sold 1,323 grams (approximately 2.9 pounds) of methamphetamine, 110 fentanyl pills and a privately made firearm or “ghost gun.” They are charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Melendez and Meraz on Feb. 17, 2022, allegedly provided Lavilette with approximately 1 kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds) of cocaine. Lavilette was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On March 10, 2022, Melendez attempted to deliver 6,377 grams (approximately 15 pounds) of methamphetamine to Betancourt but he was interdicted by law enforcement while enroute. Following his arrest, Melendez using coded language in a telephone conversation from jail to tell Buraye he had been arrested and instructed her to get rid of drugs at their shared residence.

A search warrant was executed on May 19, 2022, at Armas’s residence and law enforcement seized 2,504 grams (approximately 5.5 pounds) of fentanyl powder, 57 kilograms (approximately 125 pounds) of cocaine, 10.92 kilograms (approximately 24 pounds) of methamphetamine and $152,602 in drug proceeds.

The Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (L.A. IMPACT), IRS Criminal Investigation and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this investigation.

This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, ATF, DEA and IRS. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, firearms trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. OCDETF uses an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Assistant U.S. Attorney MiRi Song is prosecuting this case.

FUGITIVE

Sarkis Kyurkchian, 40, aka “Z,” aka “Sam,” of North Hollywood

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

NEW YORK — Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Luis Rosario with being a felon in possession of ammunition relating to a Dec. 3, 2023, shooting in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Rosario was arrested this morning and will be arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo. 

Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Tommy Kalogiros, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division; and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the arrest and indictment.

“As alleged, Rosario is a convicted felon who shot and injured a man in broad daylight on a Brooklyn sidewalk without regard for the victim or passersby who were in the line of fire,” said U.S. Attorney Peace. “Today’s arrest and indictment demonstrates the important work that this office and our law enforcement partners are doing to reduce gun violence in our communities.”

“With today’s indictment, the NYPD continues its tireless efforts to rid our communities of gun violence,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “I thank all of our law enforcement partners for their dedication to this critical aspect of our public safety mission.”

“The callous disregard for life will not be tolerated under any circumstance. This indictment demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement and prosecutors working together at all levels. ATF NY is laser-focused on targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime in our communities. I commend the work of ATF NY’s Joint Firearms Task Force, NYPD’s Brooklyn South Violent Crime Squad, NYPD’s 76th Precinct, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. We are dedicated to protecting the public and holding trigger pullers accountable for their actions,” stated ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kalogiros. 

As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, on Dec. 3, 2023, Rosario fired multiple shots from close range at three men standing on the sidewalk outside of a supermarket and restaurant located across the street from a housing development in Red Hook. Surveillance video footage shows Rosario pulling a gun from his jacket and opening fire while passersby were walking along the sidewalk. Rosario shot one man in the leg, causing him to collapse. As the wounded victim lay on the sidewalk, Rosario got into a car and drove it directly toward the victim, running over his foot.

Rosario has a prior felony conviction. On June 20, 2016, he was convicted in Bronx County Supreme Court of knowingly making or possessing dangerous contraband in prison in the first degree.

The charge in the indictment is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Rosario faces up to 15 years in prison.

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. As part of the program, U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is currently partnering with the SCPD, the NYPD, the FBI, ATF, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (DHS/HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in its PSN mission.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Roddin and James R. Simmons are in charge of the prosecution.

Defendant:
Luis Rosario
Age: 30
Cliffside Park, New Jersey

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-20 (RER)

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

NEWARK, N.J. — Two Essex County men are charged with seven gunpoint robberies of gas stations located in different parts of New Jersey in September 2023, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Ahmad Singletary, 24, and Joseph Young, 26, both of Newark, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Singletary is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Singletary and Young each made their initial appearance on Jan. 16, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and were detained.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On three occasions on Sept. 5, 2023, and four occasions on Sept. 12, 2023, Singletary and Young robbed gas stations in Middlesex, Union and Essex counties. The defendants targeted gas stations on or near highways, used a firearm, committed the robberies in the early morning and performed the robberies in approximately four minutes or less. During the course of four of the robberies, Singletary threatened, assaulted and struck victims in the head with a firearm, causing physical injuries.

The Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest. Singletary is subject to a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison for the charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Union County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director Fritz G. Fragé; the Township of Union Police Department, under the direction of Director Chris Donnelly; the Woodbridge Police Department, under the direction of Director Robert Hubner; and the West Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Abbott, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

INDIANAPOLIS — Bradley Morgan, 24, of Kokomo, has been sentenced to 68 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, in March of 2021, investigators with the Kokomo Police Department Violent Crimes Task Force began an investigation into Bradley Morgan after becoming aware of Instagram posts by Morgan, showing him pointing firearms at the camera. Morgan was known to be a convicted felon, on probation, and had an active warrant at the time of the discovery.

On April 14, 2021, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at Morgan’s East Taylor Street residence in Kokomo. During the search, investigators found Morgan hiding in the bedroom closet. In the same bedroom, investigators located a quantity of controlled substances, a .40 caliber Glock with a 23-round capacity extended magazine, and a 9mm Smith & Wesson.

Morgan is prohibited under federal law from ever possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions for criminal recklessness and criminal recklessness with a dangerous weapon in Howard County.

“Multiple convictions for violent crimes were not enough to convince this offender to stop carrying a deadly weapon,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The serious federal prison sentence imposed here should send a message to citizens returning to the community from custody: if you choose to possess a gun you will go right back to prison. Our office will continue to partner with the ATF and local task forces in Kokomo and all across our district to ensure that the most dangerous armed offenders are taken off our streets.”

“This is another successful collective investigative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime in our community. The dedicated men and women of the Kokomo Police Department, Howard County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police and our federal partners will continuously work together to do whatever is necessary to prosecute violent crime offenders and make our communities safer for all law-abiding citizens,” said Chief of Kokomo Police, Doug Stout.

ATF and Kokomo Police Department Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II.

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Corbin Houston, who prosecuted this 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 of Justice 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.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

BILLINGS, Mont. — A Wyoming man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the Miles City area was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Elmer Richard Petersen, 45, of Gillette, Wyoming, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The government alleged in court documents that in October 2021, law enforcement stopped Petersen in Miles City upon information that he was trafficking drugs. He was released from the scene and his car was seized. Officers executed a state search warrant on the car and recovered a 9mm pistol, approximately three pounds of meth and $10,000 cash. In December 2021, police received a tip that Petersen was back in Miles City. Officers located Petersen at a local hotel and attempted to arrest him on a warrant from Wyoming. Petersen fled but was arrested after a short foot chase. The arresting officer located a .380-caliber pistol in Petersen’s pocket. Petersen was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction in Wyoming.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Montana Highway Patrol and Miles City Police Department conducted the investigation.

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.

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Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Lucas Shirley II, 28, of Jacksonville, to five years and five months in federal prison for transferring unregistered short-barreled rifles. Shirley pleaded guilty on Aug. 17, 2023.

According to court documents, on Jan. 4, 2023, an undercover (UC) agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and a confidential informant (CI) went to Shirley’s home in Jacksonville posing as leaders of a motorcycle gang. Shirley sold the CI three privately manufactured rifles (to include a machinegun, a short-barreled rifle and a combination machinegun short-barreled rifle) and a firearm silencer. None of the firearms were registered in the National Firearms Registrations and Transfer Record, as required by law. Inside the home, the UC saw various tools and machines suitable for manufacturing firearm components and accessories.

In the weeks that followed, the CI, UC and Shirley spoke on the phone and exchanged text messages about firearms Shirley was manufacturing. Shirley told the CI he had armor-piercing ammunition and the firearms he was building were like the ones that U.S. Navy SEALs carry in battle. Through text messages, Shirley also sent the UC photographs of short-barreled rifles and firearm silencers.

On Jan. 24, 2023, the UC went to Shirley’s home and bought four short-barreled rifles equipped with firearm silencers. Shirley confirmed that two of the rifles were machineguns. These silencers and rifles were again not registered in the National Firearms Registrations and Transfer Record. Shirley also gave the UC three privately manufactured derringer-style pistols with the understanding the UC would pay for them at a later date.

On Feb. 2, 2023, the UC and other agents arrested Shirley and executed a federal search warrant. During the search, they found a privately manufactured pistol, a privately manufactured rifle equipped with a silencer, over 200 rounds of ammunition, approximately 12 machinegun conversion devices, a template for manufacturing machinegun conversion devices, two bags containing methamphetamine and marijuana, a pipe suitable for smoking methamphetamine and various firearm accessories and parts, including components that had been created using 3D printers. They also found tools, raw materials and equipment, including a 3D printer, which can be used to manufacture firearms, silencers and machinegun conversion devices. Shirley has never been licensed to manufacture or sell firearms.

This case was investigated by ATF and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

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 of Justice 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.

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