FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Daeja Bryana Hodge, 25, of Sumter, and Kelsey Antonio McCallum, 29, of Gainesville, Ga., for one count of conspiracy, three counts of making false statements on firearms purchase forms, and aiding and abetting.
The indictment alleges that, from at least June of 2020, Hodge and McCallum conspired to make false statements while purchasing firearms, and engaged in unlicensed dealing of firearms. The indictment further alleges that, on two dates in January, 2021, Hodge – aided and abetted by McCallum – falsely claimed on purchase forms at two firearms dealers in Columbia that she was the true purchaser of eight firearms when she was not the true buyer.
Hodge and McCallum face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive’s (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin
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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###