Federal authorities have dismantled an alleged firearms trafficking ring that prosecutors say funneled dozens of guns from Georgia to Chicago street gangs, with some of the weapons later linked to a juvenile murder and other violent crimes.Five people were charged in a 23-count federal indictment unsealed this month in the Middle District of Georgia following a Homeland Security Task Force investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).Prosecutors said Anthony Edmond and Rafael Enriquez face the most serious charges, including conspiracy involving firearms trafficking, machineguns and drug trafficking.Both face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted, while three additional defendants also face federal firearms conspiracy charges.According to court documents, Edmond is allegedly a member of the Chicago-based Black Disciples gang and an associate of another Chicago street gang known as the Conservative Vice Lords.MORE ILLEGAL MIGRANTS BUSTED RUNNING MASSIVE GUN-RUNNING OPERATIONSAnthony Edmond, also known as "Chapo," is accused of helping orchestrate a firearms trafficking ring that allegedly funneled weapons from Georgia to Chicago street gangs.
(Justice Department)According to prosecutors, Edmond was directed by co-conspirators to make straw purchases of firearms from Georgia gun stores that were later transported and distributed to gang members in the Chicago area.Prosecutors allege Edmond purchased dozens of firearms from Georgia gun stores between 2020 and 2021, including at least 22 firearms over a 10-month period.Some of those firearms were allegedly converted into fully automatic weapons and later used in multiple violent crimes, according to the indictment.MD, BALTIMORE MAYOR TARGET GLOCK FOR SELLING PISTOLS THAT CAN BE CONVERTED INTO MACHINE GUNSFederal prosecutors allege an interstate firearms trafficking ring funneled weapons from Georgia to Chicago street gangs, with some later linked to violent crimes.(Jus...