Category: US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

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

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Utah felon with multiple firearm crimes after she allegedly produced a handgun and fired gunshots at victims from a parked pickup truck.

Lisa Ann Corriz, 46, of Gusher, Utah, was charged by complaint on May 13, 2025.  
    
According to court documents, on April 27, 2025, at approximately 11:40 p.m., officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department responded to a call of a possible shooting at a residence in Salt Lake City. The two victims reported that on April 26, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a red pickup truck parked outside the home of one of the victims. Corriz, who is known by the two victims, began allegedly yelling at them from the back seat of the truck. After a short verbal exchange between Corriz and the victims, Corriz produced a handgun and fired four shots at the victims, who were near the truck. Both victims stated they were nearly struck by gunfire. After law enforcement arrived on scene, a Winchester .380 caliber casing was recovered in the gutter. A hole was also observed in the rear bumper of one of the victim’s vehicles. Damage to the asphalt from likely bullet strikes was also documented. On April 28, 2025, at approximately 8:53 p.m., an officer returned to the scene to collect a second .380 caliber casing that had been located by one of the victims.

Corriz is charged with felon in possession of ammunition, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a stolen firearm. Her initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for May 22, 2025, at 1:45 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.

An FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant United States Attorney Victoria K. McFarland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

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

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a privately made firearm and 9mm ammunition.

Victor S. Kee, 26, was charged in a one-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.

Today’s indictment alleges that Kee was in possession of a privately made firearm, identified as a Polymer80, Model PF940SC, 9mm pistol, with no serial number, and 9mm ammunition.  Kee is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Kee has prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, burglary, assault, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Lafayette County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.

Project Safe Neighborhoods

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.

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

SIOUX FALLS—United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Watertown, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 19, 2025. 

Anthony Thomas Lee Baker, 43, was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture of the firearm was also ordered.  

Baker was indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2024.

The charges arose from an incident when Baker, driving a vehicle, was stopped by law enforcement in Watertown, South Dakota. He was found to be in possession of a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Baker is prohibited from possessing any firearm based on a prior felony conviction. More specifically, Baker has at least three prior violent felony convictions, including one for possession of another firearm following his conviction for a crime of violence in Ramsey County, Minnesota, in 2017.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case. 

Baker was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

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. 

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger has sentenced Alton Wayne Cope, III (64, St. Augustine) to four years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and conspiring to deal firearms without a license. Cope entered a guilty plea in October 2024.

According to court documents, agents began investigating Cope and a co-conspirator when agents learned that Cope may have been illegally selling firearms. During the summer of 2024, agents conducted multiple controlled purchase operations during which they purchased 11 firearms from Cope and a co-conspirator. Throughout the investigation, agents learned that Braden Hobbs was the original purchaser of multiple firearms purchased from Cope and a co-conspirator. Cellphone records later showed that the co-conspirator regularly purchased firearms from Hobbs. Additionally, at least two of the firearms sold by Cope and a co-conspirator had previously been reported stolen. In August 2024, agents executed a federal search warrant at Cope’s residence. During the search, agents found an additional firearm in his bedroom.

Although he engaged in the business of dealing firearms, Cope is not a federally licensed firearms dealer, as required by federal law. Additionally, Cope was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including two counts of possession of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

In related court proceedings, co-conspirator Braden Hobbs has been charged by indictment and is scheduled for trial later this year. If convicted, Hobbs faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 95 years, in federal prison. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the North Florida HIDTA Tri-County Narcotics Task Force with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.

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.

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

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A man who used a privately made and unregistered firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” to carjack a vehicle on a college campus was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison for a firearms offense, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Mark Jordan Williams, 37, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the completion of his prison term.

Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

According to court documents and court proceedings, on March 23, 2023, an individual identified as L.C. was sitting in a Jeep Wrangler, parked on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Court records show that Williams approached the vehicle, pointed a handgun at L.C. and ordered L.C. out of the car. Williams then took L.C.’s phone, got into the Jeep, and drove away. Williams was located and arrested later that evening while inside the Jeep. When Williams was arrested, a .40 caliber Polymer 80 handgun was recovered from inside the vehicle as well. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Williams has multiple prior criminal convictions and he prohibited from possessing a firearm.

On January 9, 2025, Williams pleaded guilty to possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. 

The ATF investigated the case and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.

 

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

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on March 16, 2023, Richmond Police detectives performed a traffic stop on a vehicle with no front license plate. James Marvin Smith, 43, was driving the vehicle. While speaking with Smith and a passenger, the detectives observed a crumpled lottery ticket near the cupholders and noticed that the passenger had white powder on his nose. The detectives asked Smith and the passenger to get out of the car.

While searching the vehicle for drug evidence, a detective found a firearm and a detached extended magazine. The firearm had one round of ammunition in the chamber and the magazine was loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition.

Prior to his arrest, Smith had been convicted of, among other crimes, possession of heroin, obstruction of justice, resisting arrest with force, possession of cocaine, breaking and entering, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, robbery, unlawful wounding, illegal possession of a firearm, assault and battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felon, and grand larceny. As a previously convicted felon, Smith cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police; and Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, prosecuted 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.

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 No. 3:24-cr-23.

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

ASHLAND, Ky. – An Ashland man, Phillip Conley, 28, was sentenced on Monday to 180 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

In February 2024, law enforcement officers with the Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force (NKYDTF) began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Conley.  On April 4, 2024, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Conley’s residence.  During the search law enforcement located 57.6 grams of fentanyl, two firearms, and ammunition.

Conley admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl, and that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. He also admitted to knowing that he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Conley was previously convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance first degree in Boyd Circuit Court in May 2017.

Under federal law, Conley must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years. 

Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.  In the Eastern District of Kentucky, Acting U.S. Attorney McCaffrey coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

– END –

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

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Ohio man was sentenced May 8, 2025, to 10 years in prison for trafficking multiple pounds of meth to Anchorage.

According to court documents, Christian Landry, 32, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, repeatedly traveled to Alaska from out-of-state to distribute meth in 2022 and 2023.

The investigation started in late 2022, when an undercover officer began purchasing methamphetamine from Elzie Isley, 47, of Anchorage. Isley was a local drug dealer. Law enforcement officers identified Landry as one of Isley’s drug sources, allegedly responsible for trafficking over 20 pounds of meth from the Lower 48 to Alaska to sell.

On Feb. 9, 2023, law enforcement served a search warrant on the residence where Landry was staying with another co-defendant and recovered a loaded pistol, more than $20,000 in cash and several pounds of meth.

Throughout the course of the investigation, officers seized and forfeited over $34,000 and 23 firearms connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy.

“This case is yet another example of a drug trafficking organization flooding Anchorage with dangerous narcotics from the Lower 48,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “My office will work with our law enforcement partners across the state to ensure that anyone who threatens the safety of our communities with these poisonous substances will serve years, and for this man, a decade, in prison.”

“Drugs and guns are always a losing combination,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “This and the other lengthy sentences are commensurate to the damage they caused the community.  Mr. Landry chose to endanger Alaskans, and now he faces the consequences.”

Co-conspirators in this case are as follows:

• Isley pleaded guilty on Dec. 14, 2023, and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on April 25, 2024;
• Antonio Wallace, 32, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on Oct. 18, 2023, and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on Feb. 5, 2024;
• Ricky Lokeni, 38, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2024, and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on April 24, 2024;
• Ryann Hobert, 27, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on Nov. 8, 2023, and was sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment on March 27, 2024; and
• Jaron Steele, 34, of Paramount, California, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served (235 days’ imprisonment) on May 7, 2024.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Anchorage Police Department, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Beausang prosecuted the case.

###

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

LOS ANGELES – A reputed member of the Pasadena Denver Lanes (PDL) Bloods street gang was arrested today on a four-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he and two other PDL members took part in a one-night shooting spree in Lancaster last year that claimed two lives and almost claimed a third.

Jerry Wimbley III, a.k.a. “Baby Poppa Ckrab,” 20, of Lancaster, was arrested this morning and is expected to be arraigned and make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. 

Wimbley III is charged with two counts of murder in aid of racketeering.

Also charged in the indictment unsealed today are:

• Vionnie Richardson, 37, a.k.a. “Big Poppa Ckrab,” of Lancaster, who is charged with one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition; and
• Jerry Wimbley Jr., 22, a.k.a. “Poppa Ckrab” and “Little Poppa Ckrab,” of Lancaster, who is charged with two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and who is Wimbley III’s brother.

Richardson is in state custody in Nevada. He is not legally permitted to possess ammunition because his criminal history includes multiple felony convictions in Los Angeles Superior Court, including for second-degree robbery in September 2020, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury in March 2020, and identity theft in January 2014.

Wimbley Jr. has been in custody on federal robbery and money laundering charges since September 2024.

Richardson and Wimbley Jr. are expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles federal court in the coming weeks.

According to the indictment, on the night of June 25, 2024, Richardson took part in three successive shootings in Lancaster – an attempted murder followed by two murders – and was joined by the Wimbley brothers for the latter two shootings. After each shooting, the defendants gathered at a deceased gang member’s gravesite on the two-year anniversary of that gang member’s death.

Richardson allegedly first attempted to murder victim W.S. in Lancaster and then traveled to the deceased gang member’s gravesite where he met the Wimbley brothers and others. Richardson and the Wimbley brothers next traveled to the area of Whit Carter Park in Lancaster, where they murdered victim E.G. They again returned to the gravesite and then drove to a gas station in Lancaster. As captured on surveillance footage, the defendants murdered victim D.M. and then returned to the gravesite.  Throughout the night, defendants allegedly took to Instagram to honor the deceased gang member and pledge allegiance to the PDL Bloods. 

The indictment alleges that the murders and attempted murder were committed to enhance the power and influence of the PDL Bloods street gang, which is described as a violent criminal enterprise that has existed since the 1970s and operates in and around Pasadena and the Antelope Valley. The indictment further alleges that PDL engages in murder, robbery and money laundering, among other criminal racketeering activities.

“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants engaged in violent and senseless acts,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Their alleged shooting spree is intolerable. Today’s charges reflect our Office’s continued commitment to eradicating gang violence and to keeping our communities safe.”

“Bringing violent offenders to justice is one of ATF’s top priorities,” said Kenny Cooper, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division. “This case is a testament to the strength of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at every level. We remain committed to reducing violent crime and ensuring the safety of our communities.”

“The brutality of these alleged crimes reflects a complete disregard for human life and public safety,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “Gang violence has no place in our communities. The individuals that engage in ruthless crimes that endanger our residents will be pursued and held accountable. Our dedicated homicide detectives, along with our federal partners, have diligently worked to identify, arrest, and dismantle these violent gang networks and protect our communities.”

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

If convicted, the defendants would face a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison and a possible death sentence.

The ATF and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorneys Gregg E. Marmaro of the Major Frauds Section, Suria M. Bahadue of the General Crimes Section, and Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.

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

BOSTON – A Carver man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his involvement in an oxycodone conspiracy.

Michael Atwood, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 35 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2024, Atwood pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone pills. Campbell was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023 along with five co-conspirators.

Between approximately November 2023 and June 2023, Atwood obtained oxycodone pills from co-defendant John Campbell that he redistributed to others. The amount of oxycodone pills that the defendant obtained from Campbell ranged from hundreds to more than a thousand at a time. On July 12, 2023, during a search of Atwood’s residence approximately $63,000 in cash was seized.

In January 2025, Campbell was sentenced to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Thomas Demeo, Acting 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. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich and Falmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy, and Samuel R. Feldman of the Criminal Division and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Forfeiture Unit prosecuted 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.