Firearms - Shore News Network

Pennsylvania Game Commission warns of increased poaching during firearms deer season

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 5, 20240

HARRISBURG, Pa. — As Pennsylvania’s firearms deer season begins, the Game Commission is urging hunters and residents to remain vigilant against poaching, which tends to spike during this time of year. The commission announced Wednesday that hundreds of thousands of licensed hunters have taken to the state’s forests and fields, but illegal poachers are also active. Officials emphasized the critical role of public reporting in curbing wildlife crimes and protecting the integrity of hunting regulations. “Poachers are thieves,” the commission stated in a social media post, reminding residents that Operation Game Thief (OGT) serves as the first line of defense

U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Second Conviction in Illegal Firearms Conversion Device Case

Indira PatelNovember 30, 20240

lbuquerque woman pleads guilty to selling illegal machine gun devices ALBUQUERQUE—An Albuquerque woman admitted in federal court to selling illegal machine gun conversion devices and conducting firearms transactions without a license after undercover ATF agents linked her and her son to illegal firearm modifications. Rachael Jasso, 43, pleaded guilty to the charges stemming from a 2023 investigation in which she and her son, Joe Jasso, were discovered selling machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as Glock switches, on Instagram. According to court documents, undercover agents made two controlled purchases from the pair in February 2023, during which Joe demonstrated how

D.C. pharmacist convicted in drug trafficking conspiracy involving firearms and opioids

Indira PatelNovember 30, 20240

WASHINGTON — Kenneth Josiah Hampton, 26, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty of drug trafficking and firearms offenses following a six-day jury trial in U.S. District Court, prosecutors announced Tuesday. Hampton, who also goes by his rap alias “Carti Ears,” was convicted of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and oxycodone, along with related firearms charges. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Hampton used social media to sell drugs, branding himself as “The Neighborhood Pharmacist” and posting advertisements for opioids alongside photos of cash, firearms, and marijuana. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

Orlando man pleads guilty to smuggling firearms to Canada

Indira PatelNovember 30, 20240

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jonen Castillo, 24, of Orlando, has pleaded guilty to smuggling goods out of the United States after attempting to conceal firearms and firearm magazines inside record players shipped to Canada, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. According to court documents, Castillo hid five firearms and nine magazines in record players in June 2023 and mailed them to a recipient in Canada. The smuggling operation was uncovered during an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Castillo faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the offense. A sentencing date has

Two Utica men arrested, firearms recovered following police foot chase

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 27, 20240

UTICA, N.Y. — Two men were arrested Tuesday night after attempting to flee a police stop on Huntington Street near Spring Street, with officers recovering two loaded firearms during the pursuit, authorities said. Investigators from the GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination) Unit, working alongside the Crime Prevention Unit, stopped a group of four individuals at approximately 9:45 p.m. in connection to recent gun violence incidents. As officers approached, two men in the group fled on foot, prompting a chase. One suspect, Raymond Emery, 18, was apprehended on Court Street near Sunset Avenue. During his detention, police discovered a loaded revolver

Iowa woman sentenced to probation for illegally purchasing firearms linked to violent crimes

Indira PatelNovember 22, 20240

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A 22-year-old Cedar Rapids woman was sentenced Wednesday to five years of federal probation for lying on federal forms to illegally purchase firearms that were later linked to multiple crimes, including shootings and a robbery. Jasmin Alexandria Fox pleaded guilty in June to one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Federal prosecutors said that between August and September 2023, Fox bought multiple guns from federally licensed firearms dealers, falsely claiming they were for her personal use. Instead, she provided the firearms to others, one of whom was a felon. The

Traffic stop in Glen Burnie leads to arrest, seizure of two firearms

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 22, 20240

GLEN BURNIE, Md. — A 27-year-old Baltimore man was arrested Wednesday morning after Anne Arundel County Police discovered two firearms during a traffic stop in Glen Burnie. Officers conducted the stop at approximately 8:30 a.m. on November 20, 2024, at the intersection of Solley Road and Steens Hill Drive. A search of the black Dodge Caliber revealed a 10mm black semi-automatic Glock 29 and a .308 AR10 black Diamondback pistol. The driver, identified as James Lee Carr, was taken into custody and charged with weapons violations. Police have not disclosed additional details about the circumstances leading to the traffic stop

South Carolina man sentenced to seven years for trafficking illegal firearms to Nassau County

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 21, 20240

MINEOLA, N.Y. — A South Carolina man was sentenced to seven years in prison on Wednesday for illegally trafficking 11 firearms, including loaded rifles and pistols, from South Carolina to Nassau County between August 2023 and January 2024. Kim Lilly, 45, of Greenville, South Carolina, pleaded guilty in September to charges of first-degree criminal sale of a firearm and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Nassau County Judge Colin O’Donnell also sentenced Lilly to five years of post-release supervision. The investigation revealed that Lilly sold the firearms, including an assault rifle, an assault pistol, and high-capacity magazines, during four transactions

Traffic Stop in Mattapan Leads to Arrest and Seizure of Firearms and Drugs

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 20, 20240

Traffic Stop in Mattapan Leads to Arrest and Seizure of Firearms and Drugs

**Boston, MA** — At 12:29 AM on Monday, officers from District B-3 in Mattapan conducted a traffic stop at Blue Hill Avenue and Mattapan Street. This led to the arrest of 38-year-old Jeffrey Salvant of Mattapan for firearm and drug-related offenses.

The officers observed a vehicle speeding on Blue Hill Avenue near American Legion Highway. Despite their attempt to stop the vehicle using lights and sirens, the driver continued for approximately half a mile before stopping.

Upon stopping, officers detected the smell of alcohol from the vehicle and noted open containers inside. Jeffrey Salvant, the driver, exhibited signs consistent with being under the influence and was found in possession of a spring-loaded switchblade and two loaded firearms.

A further search revealed a black range bag containing components of an AR-style firearm and a controlled substance suspected to be cocaine. Salvant was charged with multiple firearm and drug offenses, including carrying firearms without a license. He will face arraignment at Dorchester District Court. Additionally, Salvant was cited for several traffic violations, including driving under the influence.

Braddock fugitive arrested after months on the run for firearms violations

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 14, 20240

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that Tremond Alston, a 26-year-old man from Braddock with a history of firearms violations, has been apprehended after evading authorities for nearly five months. Alston had been wanted on multiple warrants, including a probation violation connected to a 2021 conviction for firearms offenses, terroristic threats, and driving under the influence. Alston, who has been a fugitive since June, was also facing two active warrants for additional firearms-related charges in Pittsburgh and Duquesne. Detectives recently received information indicating that Alston was staying at a residence on Mapleview Drive in Braddock, where

Baltimore police seize firearms in citywide crackdown, surpassing 1,900 guns seized this year

Local News ReportNovember 8, 20240

BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore Police officers have ramped up efforts to combat violence across the city, confiscating numerous weapons and drugs in the past three days as part of an ongoing citywide crackdown. The department announced that recent investigations led to the seizure of multiple firearms and controlled substances from various neighborhoods, with officers focused on arresting those contributing to violent crime. So far this year, police report that they have taken more than 1,900 firearms off the streets. Residents are encouraged to report illegal activity by calling 911 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

Baltimore Police Seize Nearly 2,000 Firearms and Drugs in Ongoing Citywide Efforts

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 15, 20240

Baltimore, MD—The Baltimore Police Department has announced the seizure of several firearms and drugs during citywide operations within the last 24 hours. Officers are continuing their focused efforts to arrest individuals responsible for violent crimes throughout Baltimore. As part of this initiative, the department reported a total of 1,892 firearms seized so far this year. The police encourage residents to report any illegal activity by contacting 911 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP, assuring that callers may remain anonymous. The ongoing operation is part of a broader strategy to reduce violence in the city.

Atlantic City Police Recover Four Firearms in Lengthy Weapons Investigation

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 19, 20240

Atlantic City, NJ – The Atlantic City Police Department Special Investigations Section has concluded a four-month-long investigation into the possession of illegal firearms, resulting in the recovery of four handguns. On May 10, detectives observed three suspects fleeing on foot during the investigation. Though the suspects were not caught, detectives traced them to an abandoned apartment in the 1500 block of Caspian Place, where two loaded handguns were found. Continuing the investigation, the detectives charged three 17-year-old males with weapons offenses. One of the males, already held at Harborfields Detention Facility for an unrelated matter, was served with his charges.

Two men sentenced for firearms violations in Eastern Panhandle

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 14, 20240

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Two men have been sentenced for firearms violations in separate cases in the Eastern Panhandle, according to an announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Kevin Nicholas Munroe, 32, of Martinsburg, W.Va., was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm and violating an interstate protection order. Court documents revealed that West Virginia State Police were investigating a shooting incident that led them to Munroe, who had an active domestic violence protective order filed against him in Los Angeles, California. Despite being prohibited from possessing

North Jersey Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years for Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Firearms Offenses

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 7, 20240

NEWARK, N.J. — An Essex County man was sentenced to 143 months in prison for possessing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as multiple firearms, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Friday. Carlos Santiago, 50, of East Orange, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz handed down the sentence in Newark federal court. According to court documents and statements, on October 24, 2022, federal agents observed Santiago moving

Akron Police Arrest 10, Seize Firearms After Reported Threats by Teens

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 3, 20240

AKRON, Ohio — Akron police arrested ten individuals and seized multiple weapons on Sunday morning after responding to reports of juveniles making threats and allegedly planning a possible shooting. The incident unfolded around 11:05 a.m. in the 700 block of S. Arlington Street. Patrol officers, along with members of the Anti-Violence Bureau, quickly converged on the area. Following descriptions provided by witnesses, officers located a group of teens near a residence in the 1300 block of Minson Way. As officers approached, two males attempted to flee but were apprehended shortly afterward. One of the fleeing teens, a 17-year-old male, was

Police Arrest Three, Recover Stolen Firearms in Homewood Traffic Stop

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 3, 20240

PITTSBURGH — Violence Prevention Unit detectives arrested three individuals Monday night after a traffic stop in the Homewood neighborhood led to the discovery of three firearms, two of which were reported stolen. The incident occurred just after 10 p.m. on Bennett Street at Brushton Avenue, where detectives were patrolling in response to a recent non-fatal shooting and several reports of shots fired in the area. During the stop, officers recovered the stolen firearms and a polymer ghost gun without a serial number. The vehicle’s occupants, one adult male and two juvenile males, were taken into custody. The adult, identified as

Amsterdam Man Sentenced to Over 7 Years for Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Firearms Offenses

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 1, 20240

ALBANY, NEW YORK — Angelo Dalmau, 54, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 93 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms offenses. The sentence, which also includes a 3-year term of supervised release following imprisonment, was announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, along with Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office. As part of his guilty plea, Dalmau admitted to selling approximately

Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Firearms Trafficking in Western New York

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 1, 20240

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Christian Arroyo Collazo, 28, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Thursday to 36 months in federal prison for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., following Collazo’s conviction on charges of conspiracy to traffic firearms. According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who prosecuted the case, Collazo transported or attempted to transport approximately 40 firearms, including pistols, AR-style rifles, handguns, revolvers, and high-capacity magazines, to the Jamestown, New York area between July 2022 and March 2023. Collazo utilized

New Jersey Man Convicted of Firearms Trafficking

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 1, 20240

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Hackensack, New Jersey man was convicted on federal firearms charges after a jury trial in the Northern District of West Virginia, U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced. Kadir Reeves, 40, was found guilty of two counts of aiding and abetting the false statement in connection with the acquisition of firearms. The jury heard evidence that Reeves, along with another defendant, conspired to have individuals purchase and transport firearms to New Jersey. Reeves, who has ties to a street gang, intended to use the guns in criminal activities. One of the trafficked firearms was later recovered after shots

Baltimore Police Seize Firearms and Drugs in Ongoing Citywide Efforts

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 25, 20240

BALTIMORE, Md. — Baltimore Police officers have continued their intensive efforts to curb violence across the city, leading to the seizure of multiple firearms and drugs over the weekend. The department announced the recent seizures as part of their ongoing initiative to remove illegal weapons from the streets. According to the Baltimore Police Department, officers have confiscated over 1,460 firearms so far this year, underscoring the scale of their efforts to combat violent crime in the city. The recent seizures are part of a broader strategy to target individuals involved in illegal activities, particularly those contributing to gun violence. In

Atlantic County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Unregistered Machine Guns and Other Firearms

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 22, 20240

CAMDEN, N.J. — A man from Atlantic County, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to possessing unregistered machine guns and other firearms, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced on Tuesday. Michael John James, 30, of Somers Point, New Jersey, entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Keil, admitting to charges under the National Firearms Act. According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at James’ residence in February 2024. During the search, authorities recovered dozens of firearms and ballistics items, including three operable machine guns, a weapon modified to

Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Drug and Firearms Offenses

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 18, 20240

PITTSBURGH, PA – Reginald Bernard Blunt, a 32-year-old resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for multiple federal offenses, including drug trafficking and firearm possession. The sentence was handed down on Tuesday by Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer, as announced by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan. Blunt’s convictions include possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine and fentanyl mixture, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These charges stem from an investigation by

Atlantic City Police Arrest Two, Seize Firearms and Narcotics

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 4, 20240

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — Following a two-month investigation, the Atlantic City Police Department has successfully arrested two men, Leon Henry and Kishon Woodall, and recovered firearms and drugs. The arrests were made on July 31, as part of a targeted operation by detectives from the Special Investigations Section. The operation included the execution of two court-authorized search warrants at residences located in the 1900 block of Caspian Avenue and the 500 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard. The investigation targeted Henry and Woodall for their suspected involvement in the distribution of narcotics. During the searches, detectives seized two handguns,

Barnegat Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault and Firearms Offenses

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 27, 20240

Mays Landing, NJ — Louis Stokes, 27, of Barnegat, NJ, pleaded guilty on Thursday to second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree hindering apprehension. The plea was entered before the Honorable Donna M. Taylor, J.S.C. Under the plea agreement, Stokes will be sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison. He will serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole under the No Early Release Act and the Graves Act. After his release, he will undergo intensive parole supervision for three years. The incident occurred shortly before midnight on October