Category: US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

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

BOSTON — A Fall River man pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a drug distribution conspiracy involving oxycodone pills.

Austin Gonsalves, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 30. Gonsalves was arrested and charged along with five others in July 2023 for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone pills across Southeastern Massachusetts. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023.

Between at least February 2023 and May 2023, Gonsalves obtained oxycodone pills, allegedly from co-defendant Kenneth Veiga, which he then distributed to others. A search of Gonsalves’ Fall River residence in July 2023 resulted in the seizure of approximately $16,000 in cash and approximately 400 oxycodone pills.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. sentencing guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard CGIS; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich and Falmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law. 

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

HARTFORD, Conn — Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found Christopher Gaskins, 47, of Hartford, guilty of a firearm possession offense.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, in the afternoon of January 1, 2022, Hartford Police officers stopped a car Gaskin was operating on Irving Street in Hartford. Gaskin was arrested after a search of his person revealed a loaded .380 caliber handgun, a bag containing approximately five grams of crack cocaine, and 35 vials of crack.

Gaskin’s criminal history includes several felony convictions, including convictions for assault, robbery and witness tampering offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The trial began on February 26, and the jury found Gaskin guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and not guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for May 22, at which time Gaskin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Gaskin is detained pending sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Patricia Stolfi Collins through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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

ST. GEORGE, Utah — A federal grand jury in St. George returned an indictment charging three Cedar City residents with firearm offenses after they were accused of stealing multiple guns from C-A-L Ranch Stores, a licensed dealer of firearms, in Cedar City. 

According to court documents, Russell Wesley Gruber, 29, of Cedar City, Darrell Glen Devoge, 48, of Cedar City, and Parker Darrell Devoge, 20, of Cedar City, stole multiple firearms in November 2023 from C-A-L Ranch Stores located in Cedar City. As alleged in the indictment, the defendants took and carried away 76 firearms, which include rifles, shotguns, revolvers and pistols, with the intent to permanently deprive C-A-L Ranch Stores of those firearms. Gruber and Darrell G. Devoge then stored several of the stolen firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

Gruber, Darrell G. Devoge and Parker D. Devoge are charged with theft of firearms from a licensed dealer. Gruber and Darrell G. Devoge are also charged with possession of stolen firearms and felon in possession of firearms. Their initial court appearance on the indictment was Feb. 22, 2024, before a U.S. magistrate judge at the U.S. District Courthouse in St. George. A jury trial is set for April 29, 2024. 

U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.

The investigation is being worked jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Cedar City Police Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton and Brady Wilson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the 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 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.
 
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

Contact
Felicia Martinez
Public Affairs Specialist
Felicia.martinez@usdoj.gov
(801) 325-3237

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

NEWARK, N.J. — Five Passaic County residents were charged with the armed robbery of a residence in Saddle Brook, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Jamere Dixon, aka “Rebels,” 23; Jahad Foxworth, aka “Hadie,” 25; Tyra Jones, 24; Jancarlos Rodriguez, aka “M’s,” 23; and Lanasia Smith, aka “Lay,” 24, all of Paterson, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The defendants appeared on Feb. 28, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. Dixon, Foxworth and Rodriguez were detained. Jones and Smith were each released on $100,000 unsecured bond.

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

In the early morning hours of June 28, 2022, Foxworth, Rodriguez and Dixon entered a residence in Saddle Brook and held two victims at gunpoint. The three defendants stole money, credit cards, and suspected controlled substances, among other items. Prior to the robbery, Smith was a guest at the residence and provided Foxworth, Rodriguez and Dixon with access to the home by leaving the front door unlocked. The investigation revealed that hours before the robbery Smith sent to Rodriguez a picture of a safe located in the residence. After the robbery, the suspects fled in a vehicle driven by Jones. Rodriguez, Jones and Smith were later seen on surveillance footage attempting to use the stolen credit cards at gas stations and a convenience store in Paterson.

The conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

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 Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Acting Sheriff Gary Giardina; the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Chief Matthew Finck, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; and the Saddle Brook Police Department, under the direction of Officer in Charge Captain John A. Zotollo Jr.; and with the investigation leading to the charges.

This case is part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in 2020 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Paterson’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Paterson. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Paterson Department of Public Safety, the Paterson Police Department, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Passaic County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, and N.J. Department of Corrections.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jake A. Nasar of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit and Farhana C. Melo of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.

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

rodriguezetal.complaint.pdf

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

BILLINGS, Mont. — Investigations by federal and local law enforcement agencies into methamphetamine traffickers who attempted to set up base in Livingston in Park County have resulted in federal drug convictions, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced today.

During a press conference at the Park County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Building in Livingston, U.S. Attorney Laslovich, along with federal, local and drug task force partners, discussed the dismantling of a drug ring that brought large quantities of meth from Idaho to Livingston for redistribution in Park and Gallatin counties and elsewhere. Joining the U.S. Attorney were officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Park County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force.

“As these investigations show, Montana’s smaller and more rural communities, like Livingston, are not immune from drug traffickers who bring in meth from out of state and try to enlist local addicts and dealers to redistribute drugs. Without local lower-level dealers willing to sell for larger suppliers, these larger suppliers would not have a way to push their drugs to individual users. The collaborative work of the Park County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF), and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was critical to the investigation and federal prosecution of these cases. Our work is ongoing and regardless of the size of the Montana community, we will continue to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers poisoning our communities,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

“Violent crime can swiftly overwhelm any community, ending its sense of safety, victimizing countless individuals, and inflicting economic losses on businesses,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative for local, state and federal law enforcement, alongside our communities, to remain united and steadfast in efforts to detect, disrupt, and combat violent crime.”

“The Sheriff’s Office and our partners are committed to dismantling the drug trade in Park County,” Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler said. “Strong partnerships are invaluable when taking on a mission of this magnitude, and we are lucky to have a group who are working together to achieve our goals and objectives. We will continue to remove this poison and those who deal in it from Park County.”

“The Missouri River Drug Task Force is proud of the work done on these investigations. This is a great example of what can be accomplished through collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal agencies,” said MRDTF Commander Nate Kamerman, who is the investigations captain with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. “MRDTF’s focus is on interstate Drug Trafficking Organizations, but these investigations nearly always begin with data gathered at the local level. The presence of a Park County Sheriff’s Office deputy on the MRDTF not only set the foundation for our involvement in these investigations, but also allowed for effective communication with our federal partners. MRDTF will continue to work with agencies at every level to provide thoroughly investigated and documented cases, allowing prosecutors to fulfill their role in holding drug traffickers accountable.”

According to court documents, a drug trafficking investigation began in early 2020 when law enforcement learned that defendants Oscar Albert Nevarez, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and co-defendant, James D. Murrieta, of Utica, New York, were bringing meth from outside of Montana to Livingston for redistribution in Park and Gallatin counties and elsewhere in Montana. Murietta and Nevarez were business partners, and Nevarez made approximately five trips to Idaho and back to get meth from a source of supply. Murietta and Nevarez used a Livingston residence as a base from which they supplied local dealers. Law enforcement also bought meth from Murietta in Bozeman and Belgrade in controlled purchases. Nevarez was sentenced to six years in federal prison, while Murietta was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison for their convictions in the case.

In addition, investigations have led to federal charges against other individuals in Park County on various drug trafficking crimes involving meth, fentanyl and heroin and firearms crimes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey prosecuted the cases. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Park County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigations.

These cases are 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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Contact

Clair J. Howard

Public Affairs Officer

406-247-4623

Clair.Howard@usdoj.gov

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

BOSTON — A member of the violent Boston gang Cameron Street pleaded guilty today to committing an armed home invasion robbery with fellow gang members.

Brendon Amado, 27, of Randolph, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 29.

Amado was identified as an associate of Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston. According to court documents, Cameron Street members use violence, including murder and attempted murder, to preserve, protect and expand their territory. They allegedly use social media to promote Cameron Street, celebrate murders and other violent crimes and denigrate rival gangs. They allegedly possess, carry and use firearms; distribute controlled substances; commit armed robberies; and engage in human trafficking in part to generate income.

In July 2018, Amado, along with Cameron Street members and co-defendants Deronde Bethea and Michael Nguyen, committed a home invasion robbery with firearms of two victims at the home of a rival drug dealer in Canton. Amado, Bethea and Nguyen broke into the home through the back door, wearing masks and dark hoodies and carrying firearms. One victim ran out of the front door of the house and called 911. The second victim was brought into the living room, punched in the head and had a gun put to her head, as the men ransacked the house demanding, “where’s the stuff, where’s the money, where’s your boyfriend?” Amado, Bethea and Nguyen later fled the house in a silver pickup truck after stealing $2,000 in cash and a safe. Among other evidence, Amado and Bethea were identified on convenience store surveillance footage shortly before the robbery took place.

Nguyen pleaded guilty in December 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20. Bethea pleaded guilty on Feb. 12 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 16. 

Conspiracy to interference with commerce by threats or violence provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

PORTLAND, Maine — A South Portland man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute.

According to court records, in April 2023, law enforcement located Joshua Hopkins, 33, who had an active state arrest warrant, at a South Portland hotel. A search of a backpack Hopkins had been wearing revealed multiple scales, a single round of 7.62 mm x 39 mm ammunition, a blender that contained suspected fentanyl powder, smaller containers of additional suspected fentanyl powder, bags of suspected cocaine, and what appeared to be a substance used to “cut” drugs. A man with Hopkins told officers that Hopkins supplied him with drugs and had left a rifle and personal belongings in his car. Officers found a black Norinco SKS-style rifle in the vehicle. The round of ammunition in the backpack matched the caliber of the rifle. Hopkins is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.

Hopkins faces up to 15 years in prison on the gun charge and five to 40 years on the drug charge, with maximum fines of $250,000 and $5 million, respectively. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, South Portland Police Department, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. 

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

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Marquel D. Payne, 39, of Evansville, with one count of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and one count of possession of a machinegun.

According to the criminal complaint, on January 31, Evansville Police Department officers observed Payne in possession of a 3D printer while conducting surveillance near his residence. Investigators had received information that Payne was manufacturing machine gun parts using a 3D printer before the surveillance began.

Investigators obtained search warrants for Payne’s residence and other locations he controlled. During the searches, investigators found approximately 60 plastic machine gun conversion devices, a 9mm personally made handgun, also known as a “ghost gun” due to its lack of any traceable serial numbering, an AR-15 rifle, a 3D printer, plastic printing filament, a 3D printed firearm silencer and 9mm caliber ammunition.

Machinegun conversion devices sometimes called “Glock switches” or “auto-sears” are devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. Machinegun conversion devices are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, even when not installed, and are illegal for individuals to produce, possess or sell. The hand grip of the 9mm ghost gun was allegedly produced by Payne using a 3D printer. Other parts of the ghost gun were produced in Pennsylvania.

At the time of his arrest, Payne had been previously convicted of numerous felonies, including escape, carrying a handgun without a license and criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon. These prior felony convictions prohibit Payne from ever again legally possessing a firearm.

“Getting illegal machinegun conversion devices off our streets is a critical public safety priority. Fully automatic weapons and untraceable ‘ghost guns’ pose a serious danger to our communities, especially when they are in the hands of people who have no lawful business possessing any firearm,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This prosecution is the result of quick and impactful investigative work by our outstanding partners at the Evansville-Vanderburgh Crime Gun Intelligence Center. Together we are committed to saving lives and reducing gun violence by combining intelligence and resources to investigate and prosecute dangerous offenders.”

“Unfortunately, these deadly conversion devices continue to show up in our communities,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Columbus Field Division. “U.S. law has long recognized that automatic weapons pose a special risk to public safety, both through the sheer volume of bullets fired and the likelihood that innocent bystanders will be injured or killed. Combine that with an untraceable firearm and an unregistered silencer in the hands of a convicted felon, and it is clear that this individual is solely interested in feeding violence in southern Indiana. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use and distribute machine gun conversion devices.”

“My office applied for and was awarded a $700,000 federal grant to form the crime gun intelligence center where our mission is clear: to work with our state and federal partners to combat the rising crime in Vanderburgh County. We are now seeing the fruits of our labor,” said Prosecutor Diana Moers. “My office and our state and federal partners will stop at nothing to identify and prosecute any who seek to commit violent crimes in our community – this case is a result of teamwork and, with our agencies working together, we expect more cases like this: we are ahead of criminal activity and not simply reacting. Anyone planning to break the law in Vanderburgh County should swiftly reconsider.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Evansville Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), the Evansville Police Department, and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. If convicted, Payne faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who is prosecuting this case.

In October 2023, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and Evansville Police Department secured a nearly $700,000 federal grant to establish a Crime Gun Intelligence Center. The goal of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Crime Gun Intelligence Center is to quickly identify and reduce the amount of gun crime in the Evansville-Vanderburgh County area by providing intelligence, analysis, and resources between agencies for the swift identification and apprehension of suspected armed criminals.

The Department of Justice’s National Ghost Gun Initiative was launched in February 2022 in response to the proliferation of ghost guns in our communities, and the growing number of criminals who unlawfully use or possess these untraceable weapons. The Attorney General directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to train a national cadre of prosecutors as experts to lead investigations and prosecutions of crimes involving ghost guns. These ghost gun coordinators will also share investigation and prosecution tools with other prosecutors and law enforcement officers. As part of the initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana will focus its investigation and prosecution resources on combatting the illegal possession and use of ghost guns.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

UFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Willis Bowles, 36, of Geneva, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Everardo A. Rodriguez, who is handling the case, stated that on June 23, 2023, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Bowles’ Geneva residence. During the search, investigators seized a loaded Smith and Wesson rifle. A high capacity 30 round magazine, containing 22 rounds of ammunition was also seized. In 2006 and 2007, Bowles was convicted of gun felonies in the State of Florida and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division; and the Geneva Police Department, under the direction of Chief Matt Colton.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 10, 2024, before Judge Wolford.

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

Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging multiple defendants with narcotics and firearm offenses in and around Monticello, New York, following the recovery of body armor, ammunition and approximately 30 firearms from the residence of Dwayne Johnson. Johnson, who was previously arrested on May 24, 2023, is charged with conspiracy to engage in narcotics trafficking, possession of short-barreled rifles in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, unlawful possession of body armor, aiding and abetting the unlawful interstate transfer of firearms and aiding and abetting firearms trafficking. Jessica Francis, who was previously arrested on Sept. 14, 2023, is charged with engaging in the narcotics conspiracy with Johnson. Lori Cooney was arrested earlier today in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is charged with the unlawful interstate transfer of firearms to Johnson. Teresa Santini was arrested earlier today in Milford, Pennsylvania, and is charged with trafficking firearms to Johnson and the unlawful interstate transfer of firearms to Johnson. 

Santini and Cooney were presented in federal court earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. Johnson and Francis will be arraigned before U.S. District Court Judge Vincent Briccetti on March 13.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, “As alleged, the sheer number of firearms recovered from Johnson’s residence — which include assault weapons, short-barreled rifles and an untraceable “ghost gun” — underscores the harsh reality of violence that accompanies drug trafficking and the danger its poses to communities. Today’s Superseding Indictment sends a clear message that those who engage in violent and illegal enterprises and those who offer their support will face federal criminal charges.”

As alleged in the Complaint previously filed in this case and the Superseding Indictment unsealed today:

Between at least October 2016 through May 2023, Johnson, Francis and others known and unknown conspired to possess with the intent to distribute over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. In 2023, law enforcement secured a warrant to search Johnson’s known Gmail Account, which contained multiple photos and videos associated with Johnson’s marijuana trafficking business, including videos of Johnson counting large quantities of cash in a particular room within his residence, photographs of marijuana in its retail packaging and pounds of marijuana stored on tables and in a safe within the house. In one video, Johnson can be seen holding stacks of U.S. currency, counting a stack of bills, and saying, in sum and substance, that it’s “hard work” to accrue that amount of currency. Johnson then pans to the walls of guns and states, “you have to protect it, though.” Johnson also can be heard in a video saying, “Just in case you think you can fuck with my money, you come and I’ll spread you with a 12-gauge, you run and I’ll catch you with the 30 aught 6 or the 308.”

Screenshots taken from videos and photos taken from the Gmail Account are depicted below:

 During the pendency of the conspiracy, Cooney and Santini separately and unlawfully transferred, sold, traded, gave, transported or otherwise delivered to Johnson multiple firearms from Pennsylvania, including five pistols, the lower receiver of a short-barreled rifle and the upper receiver of a second short-barreled rifle.

Johnson, 44, of Monticello, New York, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; possession of a short-barreled rifle in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to any sentence for the underlying conspiracy and a maximum sentence of life in prison; unlawful possession of firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; unlawful possession of ammunition, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; unlawful interstate transfer of firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and unlawful possession of body armor, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

Francis, 35, of Monticello, New York, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Cooney, 57, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is charged with unlawful interstate transfer of firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Santini, 45, of Milford, Pennsylvania, is charged with firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and unlawful interstate transfer of firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office; the New York State Police; and the Hudson Valley White Collar Crime Task Force. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaiya Arroyo is in charge of the prosecution.

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

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