Feds dismantle alleged gun trafficking ring funneling weapons to Chicago

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.

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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.

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Prosecutors also allege Edmond purchased ammunition, extended magazines and drum magazines, and test-fired firearms before transferring them.

Edmond is also accused of making multiple trips from Georgia to Illinois to deliver the firearms to gang members in Chicago.

Authorities said police recovered 20 firearms allegedly purchased by Edmond in three states between 2021 and 2026.

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According to prosecutors, the Chicago Police Department recovered a Glock pistol in 2021 from the bedroom of a known juvenile gang member. Forensic testing later linked the firearm to three separate violent crimes.

Prosecutors allege the pistol was used in a 2021 Chicago murder and later in the shooting of a rival gang member. Investigators said Edmond purchased the firearm in Georgia just 36 days before it was allegedly used in the homicide.