Attorney General
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Ga. A.G. Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Convicts Three for Murder of Athens Toddler
ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 6 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release:
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Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Convicts Three for Murder of Athens Toddler
ATHENS, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Desmontrez Mathis, Jayden Brown, and Dakious Echols have been convicted for the murder of three-year-old Kyron Santino Zarco Smith, who was shot and killed in a drive-by in Athens on March 8, 2024. Smith was watching tv on his couch at Hallmark Mobile Home Park when he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. A nine-year-old male was also shot
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 6 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release:
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Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Convicts Three for Murder of Athens Toddler
ATHENS, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Desmontrez Mathis, Jayden Brown, and Dakious Echols have been convicted for the murder of three-year-old Kyron Santino Zarco Smith, who was shot and killed in a drive-by in Athens on March 8, 2024. Smith was watching tv on his couch at Hallmark Mobile Home Park when he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. A nine-year-old male was also shotand treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Mathis, Brown and Echols, who are all members of a local gang known as Everybody Eats (EBE), drove to Hallmark to target a rival gang in order to maintain and increase their status within EBE. They have each been convicted of every single charge brought against them by Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit. Brown and Echols entered guilty pleas on Jan. 8, 2026, and were each sentenced to life in prison. Mathis was found guilty by an Athens-Clarke County Jury on Feb. 4, 2026.
"While nothing can bring Kyron back, we hope this outcome provides his family with some sense of peace and the justice they deserve," said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. "This was a senseless shooting that should have never occurred, and it's exactly why we cannot let up in the fight against gang activity. Our children deserve better, Georgia families deserve better, and the people of Athens deserve better, and we will keep fighting for them every day."
Created in July 2022, Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit has partnered with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and FBI Atlanta to secure nearly 20 convictions in 11 separate cases, with another eight individuals still facing charges. The majority of these cases involve an ongoing conflict between EBE and the Red Tape Gang (RTG), another hybrid criminal street gang based in Athens. Murders and overall violent crime in Athens have decreased dramatically, with total shootings down by roughly 65 percent since 2022.
"I want to thank the dedicated men and women of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for their outstanding work on this case. I also extend my sincere appreciation to our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners for their commitment, collaboration, and determination in bringing this matter to justice," said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. "These partnerships send a clear and powerful message: we stand united in the pursuit of accountability. Senseless acts of violence will not be tolerated in our community, and we will continue to act decisively against those who commit them. To the family of Kyron Zarco, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and our entire community extend our deepest condolences. We are profoundly sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for the family of three-year-old Kyron, and our thoughts remain with you during this unimaginable time."
"Criminal street gangs continue to devastate communities and harm innocent victims," said GBI Director Chris Hosey. "The GBI is dedicated to holding dangerous gang members accountable for their crimes. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate street gangs and keep Georgians safe."
"This heartbreaking case reminds us of the devastating impact gang violence has on innocent families and entire communities," said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "Kyron Santino Zarco Smith should still be here today. The FBI is proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and dismantle the gangs that threaten public safety."
This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Thomas Kegley and Ryan Piechocinski. It was investigated by ACCPD, GBI, FBI Atlanta and its Athens area Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, and the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit.
Convictions and Sentencing
On Jan. 8, 2026, Jayden Brown and Dakious Echols pleaded guilty to the below charges. Both defendants were sentenced to life with the possibility of parole, plus five years in prison, followed by 20 years of strict probation.
Jayden Brown (aka "Gloxky"), 18, of Athens:
* 1 count of Malice Murder
* 6 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
* 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
Dakious Echols (aka "Third"), 20, of Athens:
* 1 count of Malice Murder
* 6 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
* 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
On Feb. 4, 2026, Desmontrez Mathis was found guilty of the below charges.
Desmontrez Mathis (aka "Ten"), 24, of Athens:
* 1 count of Malice Murder
* 6 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 12 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 3 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
* 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
* 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
Sentencing for Mathis will take place at a later date.
The State's case against one final defendant, Julian Cubillos, is active and ongoing.
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About the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit
In 2022, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia's first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit.
Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has investigated and prosecuted cases in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Bibb, Bryan, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dougherty, Fulton, Gwinnett, Laurens, Lowndes, Muscogee, Richmond, Spalding, Thomas, Upson and Washington counties, with more than 120 convictions secured across the state.
Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Southeast Georgia.
The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-02-05/carrs-gang-prosecution-unit-convicts-three-murder-athens-toddler
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Sentence for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Dealer, Sentencing Pending for Co-Defendant
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 6 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Sentence for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Dealer, Sentencing Pending for Co-Defendant
TUCSON -- Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that Andronico Arvizu III was sentenced to five years in prison in Pima County Superior Court on February 3, 2026, following his guilty plea to Attempt to Transport for Sale or Sell a Narcotic Drug, a class 3 felony; Misconduct Involving Weapons by a Prohibited Possessor, a class 4 felony; and Illegally
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 6 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Sentence for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Dealer, Sentencing Pending for Co-Defendant
TUCSON -- Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that Andronico Arvizu III was sentenced to five years in prison in Pima County Superior Court on February 3, 2026, following his guilty plea to Attempt to Transport for Sale or Sell a Narcotic Drug, a class 3 felony; Misconduct Involving Weapons by a Prohibited Possessor, a class 4 felony; and IllegallyConducting an Enterprise, a class 3 felony.
"Trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine puts lives at risk and tears families and communities apart," said Attorney General Kris Mayes. "Those who choose to profit from addiction and violence will be held accountable, and my office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal networks."
Between June 16 and September 17, 2025, Arvizu knowingly participated in a drug-trafficking enterprise in Pima County alongside his co-defendant and significant other, Priscilla Cassandra Fimbres. Arvizu assisted Fimbres in selling fentanyl pills and jointly possessed approximately 12 pounds of methamphetamine intended for sale.
On June 18, 2025, Arvizu drove Fimbres to a planned drug transaction involving approximately 2.1 pounds of fentanyl pills. On September 17, 2025, Arvizu was found in possession of a Ruger LCP 9mm handgun despite being legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his criminal history.
The court sentenced Arvizu to five years in prison for Attempt to Transport for Sale or Sell a Narcotic Drug, to be served concurrently with five years for Illegally Conducting an Enterprise. He received 139 days of presentence incarceration credit. Upon release, Arvizu will serve two years of probation for the weapons offense. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the firearm and payment of $4,500 to the State Anti-Racketeering Revolving Fund.
Fimbres pled guilty to Misconduct Involving Weapons by a Prohibited Possessor, Attempt to Possess a Dangerous Drug for Sale, and Illegally Conducting an Enterprise. She faces a sentencing range of 3.5 to 8.75 years in prison, followed by up to four years of probation. Her sentencing is scheduled for February 10, 2026.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety investigated the case and it was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Sabrina Lochner.
Mr. Arvizu's booking photo is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=7529438c1a&e=b0dbe1a1e5). Ms. Fimbres' booking photo is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=ee577a5b7c&e=b0dbe1a1e5). A copy of the indictment is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=4ade2e34d1&e=b0dbe1a1e5).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-sentence-fentanyl-and-methamphetamine-dealer
N.H. Justice Dept.: Updated Public Guidance on Vehicle Inspection Program Status
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Feb. 5 -- The New Hampshire Department of Justice issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2025:
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Updated Public Guidance on Vehicle Inspection Program Status
The New Hampshire Department of Justice and Department of Safety are providing an update on the state's vehicle inspection program after the Executive Council today denied the Department of Safety's request to extend the termination date of the State's vehicle inspection contract with Gordon-Darby NHOST, Inc. As a result of the denial, the State currently does not have an approved vendor to operate the
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Feb. 5 -- The New Hampshire Department of Justice issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2025:
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Updated Public Guidance on Vehicle Inspection Program Status
The New Hampshire Department of Justice and Department of Safety are providing an update on the state's vehicle inspection program after the Executive Council today denied the Department of Safety's request to extend the termination date of the State's vehicle inspection contract with Gordon-Darby NHOST, Inc. As a result of the denial, the State currently does not have an approved vendor to operate theState's vehicle inspection program.
At this time, the Department of Justice and the Department of Safety are assessing the practical and legal ramifications of the Executive Council's decision in relation to the pending federal court case brought by Gordon-Darby and the preliminary injunction issued by the Court last week. The State is continuing to seek relief from the Court's order and will update its public guidance on vehicle inspections as more information becomes available.
At this time, the public is reminded that enforcement of the inspection program has been suspended through April 10, 2026, and additional regulatory flexibility will be provided if necessary.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/updated-public-guidance-vehicle-inspection-program-status
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Calls for Stronger Federal Staffing Standards at Senior Health Care Facilities
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 5 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jeff Jackson Calls for Stronger Federal Staffing Standards at Senior Health Care Facilities
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RALEIGH -Attorney General Jeff Jackson and a coalition of 18 attorneys general are calling on the federal government to reinstate critical staffing standards and protections designed to keep senior citizens safe in long-term health care facilities.
The coalition is urging a return to the protections established under the previous Nursing Home Reform initiative.
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 5 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jeff Jackson Calls for Stronger Federal Staffing Standards at Senior Health Care Facilities
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RALEIGH -Attorney General Jeff Jackson and a coalition of 18 attorneys general are calling on the federal government to reinstate critical staffing standards and protections designed to keep senior citizens safe in long-term health care facilities.
The coalition is urging a return to the protections established under the previous Nursing Home Reform initiative.Those regulations set minimum staffing standards for nursing hours per resident per day, required every facility to have registered nurses on-site 24/7, and established minimum hours for certified nurse assistants.
These protections were designed to improve the quality of care, prevent adverse health outcomes, and save the federal government up to $465 million in Medicare costs by reducing medical emergencies and hospitalizations. However, One Big Beautiful Bill Act recently overturned those regulations.
"Placing a loved one in a nursing home is an act of profound trust," said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. "By removing staffing standards, we violate that trust and leave seniors vulnerable to neglect. We need federal rules to ensure that when a resident rings for help, there is actually a nurse available to answer."
In a comment letter sent to DHHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, the attorneys general request the enactment of replacement protections. These measures are essential to ensure minimum staffing levels, prevent Medicaid and Medicare fraud, and guarantee that nursing home residents receive the care necessary to stay healthy.
Joining Attorney General Jackson in filing this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
A copy of the letter is available here.
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Original text here: https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-calls-for-stronger-federal-staffing-standards-at-senior-health-care-facilities/
Attorney General Brenna Bird Announces Judicial Safety Bill Passes Senate Subcommittee
DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 5 -- Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brenna Bird Announces Judicial Safety Bill Passes Senate Subcommittee
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DES MOINES-Attorney General Brenna Bird announced today her Judicial Safety bill has passed out of subcommittee in the Iowa Senate.
The Judicial Safety Bill makes it a "C" felony -up to 10 years in prison -to make threats against judges and their immediate family members. The bill creates a serious misdemeanor charge for doxxing judges or their immediate family. It also allows judges and attorneys in
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DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 5 -- Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brenna Bird Announces Judicial Safety Bill Passes Senate Subcommittee
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DES MOINES-Attorney General Brenna Bird announced today her Judicial Safety bill has passed out of subcommittee in the Iowa Senate.
The Judicial Safety Bill makes it a "C" felony -up to 10 years in prison -to make threats against judges and their immediate family members. The bill creates a serious misdemeanor charge for doxxing judges or their immediate family. It also allows judges and attorneys inthe Attorney General's Office to obtain a professional permit to carry, enabling them to protect themselves in court.
"Nationally we have seen an uptick in violence against judges," said Attorney General Bird. "Right now in Iowa, threatening a judge is only a misdemeanor. Just as we increased penalties for assaults on law enforcement last year, we want judges to know their safety matters to us. Under this bill, anyone who threatens them could face up to 10 years in prison. Thank you to the Senate subcommittee members who voted to advance this critical bill."
Read the full bill here.
For More Information:
Jen Green
jen.green@ag.iowa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom/attorney-general-brenna-bird-announces-judicial-safety-bill-passes-senate-subcommittee/
Alaska A.G. Cox: Three Department of Law Attorneys Chosen to Fill Judicial Roles
JUNEAU, Alaska, Feb. 5 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
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Three Department of Law Attorneys Chosen to Fill Judicial Roles
(Anchorage, AK) - Three Department of Law Attorneys have been selected to fill judicial vacancies. Two state appointments were made by Governor Mike Dunleavy, and one federal nomination by President Trump confirmed today by the U.S. Senate.
"When the Department's attorneys are chosen to serve on the bench, it reflects well on them--and on Alaska," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "We'll miss their daily
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JUNEAU, Alaska, Feb. 5 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
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Three Department of Law Attorneys Chosen to Fill Judicial Roles
(Anchorage, AK) - Three Department of Law Attorneys have been selected to fill judicial vacancies. Two state appointments were made by Governor Mike Dunleavy, and one federal nomination by President Trump confirmed today by the U.S. Senate.
"When the Department's attorneys are chosen to serve on the bench, it reflects well on them--and on Alaska," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "We'll miss their dailyleadership at the Department of Law, but the State is better off when judges bring real experience, sound judgment, and a public-service ethic forged in the trenches. These appointments strengthen Alaska's courts, and I'm proud of the work these lawyers have done and the service they'll continue to provide from the bench."
First, Governor Dunleavy appointed Chief Assistant Attorney General RuthAnne Beach to serve on the Alaska Court of Appeals. Chief AAG Beach has served in the Office of Criminal Appeals since 2017. Throughout her time with the Department, she has demonstrated exceptional legal skill, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to the fair administration of justice. Her appointment is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and service to the people of Alaska.
Second, Governor Dunleavy appointed John Haley to the Anchorage District Court. Senior AAG Haley served in the Department of Law's Consumer Protection Unit, and previously in criminal prosecution roles within the Department. His dedication and steadfastness resulted in millions of dollars being returned to Alaskan consumers.
Finally, President Trump nominated Senior Assistant Attorney General Aaron Peterson to serve as a United States District Judge for the District of Alaska. The U.S. Senate has formally confirmed Senior AAG Peterson this morning. Senior AAG Peterson started in the Criminal Division as the fish and game prosecutor, before moving to the Civil Division to advise to represent the Board of Fisheries. His successes in the Criminal and Civil Divisions and his ability to navigate complex legal issues helped him secure this nomination.
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/020426-Judicial.html
AG Sunday: Collaboration Leads to Takedown of Western Pa.-Based Stolen Firearms Criminal Organization that Targeted Gun Shops
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Feb. 5 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
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AG Sunday: Collaboration Leads to Takedown of Western Pa.-Based Stolen Firearms Criminal Organization that Targeted Gun Shops
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HARRISBURG -Attorney General Dave Sunday -along with the Allegheny County Police Department and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -announced arrests of seven juveniles and an 18-year-old in connection with the thefts and illegal transfers of numerous firearms, resulting from gun store burglaries.
Law enforcement officials charged
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Feb. 5 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
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AG Sunday: Collaboration Leads to Takedown of Western Pa.-Based Stolen Firearms Criminal Organization that Targeted Gun Shops
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HARRISBURG -Attorney General Dave Sunday -along with the Allegheny County Police Department and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -announced arrests of seven juveniles and an 18-year-old in connection with the thefts and illegal transfers of numerous firearms, resulting from gun store burglaries.
Law enforcement officials chargedmembers of the group this week with felony corrupt organizations, receiving stolen property, conspiracy, burglary, illegal transfer of firearms, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses.
In all, the group is responsible for thefts of 79 firearms taken in burglaries at gun shops in Allegheny County and Ohio. Officials seized many of the firearms; about two dozen firearms are unaccounted for.
Chalais Ramey, 19, is the only defendant charged as an adult, for the time being. The Office of Attorney General will prosecute the cases.
"These crimes alarmed the community -and for good reason. Any and all thefts of firearms should be perceived as direct threats to public safety. I am very pleased that, along with our partners, we can say today that we know who was responsible and we are holding them accountable with very serious charges," Attorney General Sunday said. "Due to many of these being juvenile allegations at the moment, I am limited in what can be said publicly, but I assure Pennsylvanians that we are not treating these crimes as child's play."
Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns said: "The actions of these individuals have already had tragic consequences and endangered countless lives in our community. We are grateful for the teamwork and cooperation from all of the agencies involved in this investigation and we will continue to work to remove all of these stolen guns from our streets."
"Stolen guns threaten our communities' safety," said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. "They fuel illicit trafficking and are used by violent criminals to terrorize our neighborhoods. That's why ATF aggressively responds to gun shop burglaries with both our special agents and industry operations teams. Thanks to our close partnership with the Allegheny County Police, Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General and other state and local partners, we were able to track down and apprehend the suspects in last year's burglaries, and we recovered 55 stolen firearms. This case should be a warning to those who think our gun shops are an easy target to burglarize."
The seven defendants charged as juveniles were between the ages of 14 and 17 at the time of the crimes. They are all males.
The charges regard a burglary at Allegheny Arms in Bethel Park on January 13, 2025. During that break-in, 56 firearms were stolen. On the same day, members of the group attempted to burglarize two other gun stores in Allegheny County.
On January 19, 2025, members of the group broke into Expert Outfitters in North Lima, Ohio, and stole 23 firearms.
The group used stolen vehicles during the burglaries and attempted burglaries.
Corrupt organization charges were filed this week regarding the Ohio matter, as the organization was based in and conspired in Allegheny County. The burglary and related offenses are being investigated by Ohio officials.
Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.ydr
Attorney General Sunday's full statement, as presented at today's press conference:
"I am very pleased and proud that, along with our partners, we can say today that we know who was responsible for these burglaries, and that we are holding them accountable with very serious charges. My office will diligently prosecute these cases.
These crimes alarmed the community -and for good reason. Any and all thefts of firearms should be perceived as direct threats to public safety.
Due to the charging of juveniles, I am limited in what can be said publicly about the upcoming prosecutions. But I will assure Pennsylvanians that my office does not intend to treat these crimes as child's play. The evidence shows that these brazen burglaries and thefts were deliberate and premeditated, as were the efforts to illegally traffic and transfer the guns."
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Original text here: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-sunday-collaboration-leads-to-takedown-of-western-pa-based-stolen-firearms-criminal-organization-that-targeted-gun-shops/
