Authorities dismantle gun trafficking network
Detectives alleged the organization used straw purchase schemes in eight counties
NORRISTOWN >> State and local authorities dismantled a multi-county gun trafficking organization that illegally obtained and sold nearly 100 firearms using straw purchase schemes and charges are pending against eight Philadelphia residents allegedly linked to the network.
“Gun trafficking is a serious crime that endangers our communities since these illegal firearms are sold on to people who can’t buy their own guns. Law enforcement is committed to fighting these illegal gun sales and gun trafficking organizations whose sole purpose is to make money by arming criminals,” Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said at a Wednesday news conference.
Members of the network allegedly purchased 94 firearms and attempted to purchase an additional 23 firearms in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Lehigh, Philadelphia, Columbia, Northampton and York counties.
Of the 94 illegally purchased guns, only 29 have been recovered by law enforcement.
“That leaves 65 in the wind. We don’t where they are and that’s one of the dangers of straw purchasing,” Steele said.
Some of the firearms were recovered during investigations of other crimes including in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and during an October 2021 gunpoint robbery in Wolcott, Conn., according to court documents.
“We are taking this very, very seriously and getting those other 65 guns back is a priority to us,” Steele said. “And I’m afraid and fear they’re going to be involved in other crimes.”
The illegal purchases were made using straw purchase schemes. A straw purchase occurs when someone who is legally allowed to purchase a firearm purchases one and then gives it illegally to someone who is not permitted to purchase that firearm.
Larry B. Williams, 40, of the 3600 block of Jasper Street, was identified as the alleged leader of the organization.
“Williams couldn’t buy a firearm because of some of his past indiscretions so he was prohibited from buying, owning or possessing (firearms) so he recruited other defendants who lived in Philadelphia to buy firearms,” Steele alleged. “The investigation found that oftentimes Williams would accompany these straw purchasers to gun stores and help choose the weapons or he directed the purchases from afar using text or phone conversations.”
Seven others were charged with illegally purchasing firearms or attempting to purchase them for Williams and his organization, according to court documents.
Robert Otis Cooper III, 23, of the 1300 block of Colwyn Street, allegedly purchased 41 firearms and attempted to purchase eight others for the organization in less than two months.
Ziair Stenson, 26, of the 400 block of West Wellens Street, allegedly purchased 36 firearms and attempted to purchase an additional seven for the network, while Malik Keyon RowellJernigan, 24, of the 1900 block of East Pacific Street, allegedly purchased eight firearms and attempted to purchase three others.
Daynell M. Jones, 40, of the 3600 block of Jasper Street, Zakayla S. Deshields, 22, of the 4100 block of West Godfrey Avenue, and Kevin Logan, 24, of the 5200 block of North American Street, each allegedly purchased three firearms for the network, according to authorities.
Shadiid S. Smalley, 23, of the 4600 block of Kraydor Street, allegedly attempted to buy five firearms for the organization.
The alleged members of the organization are facing various charges, including corrupt organizations, illegal purchase, sale or transfer of firearms, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of communication facilities and making materially false statements. They face March 7 preliminary hearings on the charges before District Court Judge Cathleen Kelly Rebar in Lower Providence.
Those joining Steele at the news conference included Acting Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub, Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy and representatives of the Pennsylvania State Police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Philadelphia Field Division.
“This gun trafficking organization was significant and it was dangerous. Far too frequently these weapons end up in the hands of dangerous individuals to be used to commit crimes and fuel gun violence in our communities,” Henry
Alleged participants in a multi-county gun-trafficking organization. said. “I am grateful for the by the defendants through gun show,” Steele added, hard work of all the agencies the state’s Electronic Record alleging Cooper, at one who partnered in this of Sale (EROS) system gun show, purchased 13 investigation. Together, we and through hard copies guns over two days from will continue to fight hard of ATF and Pennsylvania seven different federally to stop the trafficking of State Police forms at licensed firearms dealers. firearms in our state and gun stores. The following law enforcement make Pennsylvania safer Detectives used surveillance, organizations for all who live here.” interviews, information participated in this investigation:
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