Category: US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

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

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Joshua Paul Stewart Turner, 25, of Summerville, and Noah Olen Fowler, 26, of Moncks Corner, have each been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to straw-purchase a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Fowler, knowing Turner was prohibited from possessing and/or purchasing a firearm, purchased a firearm for Turner. During the purchase of the firearm, Fowler false certified on the ATF Form 4473 that he was purchasing the firearm for himself. Evidence also revealed that Turner sent Fowler information on which firearm to purchase and, further, paid him for the firearm via CashApp. When Fowler purchased the firearm for Turner he was employed as a correctional officer at the Berkeley County Detention Center.

“Straw purchases undermine our efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of those legally prohibited from possessing them,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’ll continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who attempt to circumnavigate the proper procedure to purchase firearms.”

“Straw purchasing is a dangerous tactic that circumvents our laws and puts guns in the hands of prohibited individuals,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Whether you are the prohibited individual in possession of a firearm or the individual who lied to supply that firearm, both are considered threats to public safety and both face serious consequences.”

“Weapons in the hands of those prohibited from possessing them are a direct threat to public,” said Reid Davis, acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “These sentences underscore the serious consequences of violating federal firearms laws and send a clear message: the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring those who violate these laws are held accountable.”

United States District Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Turner to 20 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. United States District Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Fowler to a time-served sentence, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI Columbia field office, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.

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

NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOE LYNN BEATTIE (“BEATTIE”), age 53, of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 29, 2025 by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 63 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and payment of a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.  BEATTIE previously pleaded guilty on January 27, 2025, to a three (3) count indictment.  Count One charged him with being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  Count Two charged him with possession of silencers, that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5841.  Count Three charged him with possession of machineguns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 922(o).

According to court records, federal agents received information that BEATTIE had received unlawfully imported firearm parts from China.  Thereafter, Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies, executed a search warrant at his residence.  The search yielded five (5) firearms, ammunition, sixteen (16) silencers, and five (5) machinegun conversion devices that turn firearms into fully automatic weapons.

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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office,  in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. 

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

BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Marion man to more than 8 years in federal prison after he admitted to trafficking firearms in southern Illinois.

Lonnie J. Petty, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a machine gun and one count of illegal transfer of a machine gun. Law enforcement recovered two privately made firearms or “ghost guns”, one firearm with an obliterated serial number, five additional firearms, three machine gun conversion devices or “switches,” multiple extended and drum magazines, and a large amount ammunition. 

“Lonnie Petty recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase with police after trafficking firearms and selling drugs in the presence of children. These actions pose an obvious threat to the safety of our community, and the case demanded decisive action,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Our office will hold such offenders accountable and ensure the safety of southern Illinois.”

According to court documents, Petty admitted to possessing a machine gun in Williamson County in June 2023. In addition, he transferred machine guns in Williamson and Franklin counties from September through November 2023.

“The increasing use of machine gun conversion devices by criminals has fueled violence in our communities, endangering both members of the public and law enforcement officers,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “ATF, in partnership with local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue its mission to investigate and hold those accountable who illegally traffic these dangerous devices into our communities.”

Machine gun conversion devices include traditional “drop in auto sears,” which are designed for use on AR-type firearms, and more recently developed “switches,” which are designed for use on certain semiautomatic pistols. MCDs are easily integrated with semiautomatic firearms to illegally convert them to fire automatically.

MCDs are defined as machine guns under the National Firearms Act, even when not installed.

ATF led the investigation with support from the Marion Police Department and the Carbondale Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Trippi and J. David Sanders prosecuted the case.

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

PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from April 26, 2025, through May 5, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 287 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 107 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 156 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 21 cases against 24 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Recent matters of interest include:

United States v. Krystal Lopez: On April 29, 2025, BPAs ran a registration check on a vehicle which showed a positive history of alien smuggling. The vehicle pulled into a gas station. The driver exited the vehicle and entered the store. BPAs approached the vehicle and saw a person hiding in the back seat underneath a blanket. A search of the vehicle revealed two additional people in the trunk. All three people were determined to be citizens of Mexico illegally present in the United States. The driver, Krystal Lopez, had been arrested one month prior for alien smuggling and was released pending trial in that case. She was charged by complaint in this case and ordered detained pending trial.  [Lopez CR-25-02060 and MJ-25-07625]

United States v. Gloria Lopez Corona: On April 29, 2025, Gloria Lopez Corona crossed into the United States through the San Luis Port of Entry attempting to smuggle a five-year-old child. Corona presented a birth certificate for a two-year-old, which was inconsistent with the child she was presenting for entry. After being referred to secondary, she admitted to smuggling the child. The child had been given melatonin gummies and was sleepy and disoriented. Agents were able to find the child’s mother, Reyna Cecilia Hernandez Reyes, a Mexican citizen. Reyes admitted to giving her child to an unknown female to be smuggled into the United States.  Both women were charged. [Lopez Corona et al 25-01540MJ]

United States v. Carlos Murillo: On April 30, 2025, Carlos Murillo, a Naturalized United States Citizen, was encountered by Border Patrol after transporting Marcelino Garcia-Alejo, an illegal alien. Murillo had been recruited to smuggle aliens via Facebook. He admitted to previously smuggling aliens, and believed he would be paid $700.00 for smuggling Garcia-Alejo. [Murillo 25-01544MJ]

Criminal complaints and indictments are simply methods by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

These cases are 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).                                                                                           

RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-071_May 2 Immigration Enforcement

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

 

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

COVINGTON, Ky. – A Dayton, Ohio, man, Julius Cole, 39, was sentenced on Friday to 132 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for aiding and abetting the intended distribution of 100 grams or more of a mixture containing a fentanyl analogue. 

According to Cole’s plea agreement, on January 2, 2024, law enforcement used a confidential informant to arrange a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Earnest Bryson, who agreed to sell a kilogram of fentanyl to the informant. On January 3, 2024, Cole, Bryson, and co-defendant Gerald Young traveled from Dayton, Ohio  to Fort Wright, Ky, to deliver the drugs to the informant. Soon after they arrived, law enforcement parked behind their vehicle and forcibly removed them from the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed that an attempt was made to destroy the drugs by mixing them with Coca-Cola. Some of the mixture was tested, however, and found to contain fentanyl as well as fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue.  Further investigation revealed that Germel Hughes, Cole’s second co-defendant, supplied the drugs to Bryson on the condition that Cole travel with Bryson to Kentucky to assist in the drug distribution. Hughes gave instructions to destroy the drugs with soda if they were stopped by law enforcement. Cole admitted that Bryson possessed the fentanyl with the intent to distribute it and that he assisted Bryson in doing the same

Young and Hughes have both pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and are scheduled to be sentenced on June 5 and July 16, respectively.

Under federal law, Cole 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 five years.  

Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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

ATLANTA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Atlanta Field Division hosted a joint press conference with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico.

“Firearms trafficking and the illegal activity associated with it continues to threaten the safety of the general public throughout our communities,” said ATF Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to illegally move firearms between the United States and Mexico. Extensive time in a federal prison awaits those who think they can endanger our communities and get away with it.”

“Homeland Security Investigations is steadfast in our mission to combat international firearms trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal networks that threaten public safety on both sides of the border,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “By targeting those who illegally purchase and smuggle weapons into Mexico, we are cutting off a vital lifeline to cartel members and terrorist-designated organizations, while upholding our duty to protect communities at home and abroad. HSI will continue to work relentlessly to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice those fueling this dangerous trade.”

In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with federal and local partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico.

Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within many local communities. They have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out illicit activities including fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle.

Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. From January 20 to May 1, 2025, ATF agents nationwide initiated 8,501 violent crime cases, arrested 1,912 criminals, seized a total of 10,592 firearms, 655,388 rounds of ammunition, 8,722 firearm parts, and 6,335 assorted explosives.

ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov

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

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Columbus Field Division hosted a press conference to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico.

“ATF is committed to disrupting firearms violence, which includes investigating and arresting those individuals who are providing violent criminals with the means to terrorize our communities,” stated Thomas Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “We remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to follow the trail of guns and disrupt the flow of firearms to criminals.”

In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with federal and local partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico.

Over the past four years, Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within our communities. These Cartels have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out their illicit activities such as, fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle.

Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. From January 20 to May 1, 2025, ATF agents nationwide initiated 8,501 violent crime cases, arrested 1,912 criminals, seized a total of 10,592 firearms, 655,388 rounds of ammunition, 8,722 firearm parts, and 6,335 assorted explosives.

ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov

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

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division hosted a joint press conference to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico. ATF was also joined by the IRS, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Louisville Metro Police Department and Jeffersontown Police Department.

“ATF is on the frontline in the fight against gun-related violence associated with organized gangs and drug trafficking organizations,” said ATF Louisville Field Division Special Agent in Charge John Nokes. “These crimes present a grave threat to public safety, and our law enforcement partnerships are critical as we work together to stop firearms trafficking by criminal groups.”

In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico.

Over the past four years, Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within our communities. These Cartels have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out their illicit activities such as, fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle.

Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. In Fiscal Year to Date 2025, ATF initiated 15,825 violent crime cases and seized 18,286 firearms, 13,031 firearms parts and accessories, 1,161,501 rounds of ammunition and 13,304 assorted explosives.

ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov

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

NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal jury convicted Anthony Travis Slaughter on Wednesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Slaughter, age 30, faces at least five years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced in August 2025.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the Wilmington Police Department conducted a traffic stop of Slaughter on Princess Place Drive in Wilmington.  After a police K9 positively alerted on the vehicle, a police search uncovered approximately two pounds of marijuana, along with marijuana packaging and a digital scale in the car.  Police also located a loaded firearm under the driver’s seat.

Slaughter was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on seven prior state felony convictions for drug and violent crimes.  These include a conviction for common law robbery as well as multiple convictions for selling heroin.

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan accepted the verdict. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Wilmington Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles E. Loeser and Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.7:23-CR-51.

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

NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that DEVIN HILLIARD, age 49, of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, for selling drugs and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

According to court documents, DEVIN HILLIARD was engaged in drug trafficking in the New Orleans area and was apprehended carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

The defendant was sentenced to sixty-six (66) months of imprisonment followed by five (5) years of supervised release.  The defendant was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of three hundred dollars.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.