A federal grand jury has indicted Devontae Jones, 27, from Atlanta, Georgia, on charges related to gun trafficking. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that the indictment includes four counts: dealing firearms without a license and transferring a machinegun. If convicted, Jones faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath explained that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Jones in February 2024. He was suspected of illegally trafficking firearms, including machine guns, from Atlanta to Rochester, New York. During the investigation, ATF agents conducted controlled purchases of firearms from Jones who shipped them from Atlanta to Rochester. Between February and May 2024, agents purchased a total of 20 firearms from him including four machine guns.
Jones appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland for arraignment and was detained.
The investigation involved collaboration between the ATF led by Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller and the United States Postal Inspection Service directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward from the Boston Division.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation and does not imply guilt; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.