(WNY News Now) – A federal grand jury has indicted a Georgia man accused of trafficking firearms, including machine guns, from Atlanta to Rochester.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that 27-year-old Devontae Jones of Atlanta, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts related to illegal firearms trafficking.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Jones in February 2024 for allegedly dealing firearms without a license and transferring machine guns. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Federal investigators allege that between February and May 2024, Jones shipped a total of 20 firearms, including four machine guns, from Atlanta to Rochester. The transfers were reportedly made during a series of controlled purchases conducted by the ATF.
Jones was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The indictment stems from a joint investigation by the ATF and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The ATF investigation was led by Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the Postal Inspection Service effort was directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward of the Boston Division.
It is important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation. Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Leave a Reply