A federal investigation has resulted in the arrest of 5 people, including a man from Athens, for alleged firearms trafficking.
Anthony Edmond of Athens is accused of purchasing guns in Georgia and making multiple trips to Chicago, Illinois where he then distributed the guns to known Chicago gang members. Some of the guns in question were used to commit numerous violent crimes, including a murder committed in Chicago by a juvenile.
According to the report from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia, Edmonds is affiliated with two Chicago-based street gangs. While in Athens, Edmonds allegedly also purchased ammunition and test-fired automatic weapons in the area. The report alleges that Edmonds acquired machinegun conversion devices in order to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.
The four other people arrested in connection with the firearms trafficking ring include three individuals from Chicago - Rafael Enriquez, Elijah Lucena, and Keontice Reed - and one individual from both Snellville, Georgia and Chicago, Melvin Griffin.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case with assistance from multiple agencies and local Police Departments including Homeland Security and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
