Federal investigators say they have broken up an alleged gun-trafficking operation that moved dozens of firearms from Georgia to street gangs in Chicago, including weapons later tied to a juvenile homicide and other violent offenses.
A 23-count federal indictment, unsealed this month in the Middle District of Georgia, charges five people following a Homeland Security Task Force probe led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Anthony Edmond and Rafael Enriquez are accused of the most serious offenses, prosecutors said, including a conspiracy involving firearms trafficking, machine guns and drug trafficking. If convicted, both could face up to life in prison, while three other defendants are also charged in connection with an alleged federal firearms conspiracy.
Court filings identify Edmond as an alleged member of the Chicago-based Black Disciples gang and an associate of the Conservative Vice Lords, another Chicago street gang.
Prosecutors allege Edmond was instructed by co-conspirators to carry out straw purchases at Georgia gun shops, with the firearms later transported north and distributed to gang members in the Chicago area.
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Between 2020 and 2021, Edmond allegedly bought dozens of firearms from Georgia dealers, including at least 22 guns during a 10-month span, according to prosecutors.
The indictment says some of the weapons were later modified to operate as fully automatic firearms and were connected to several violent crimes.
Authorities further allege Edmond bought ammunition, extended magazines and drum magazines, and test-fired guns before handing them off.
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.
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.
