PHILADELPHIA, PA — Charles O’Bannon, a 25-year-old resident of Villa Rica, Georgia, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for his involvement in a significant firearms trafficking operation. This operation, involving multiple conspirators, brought nearly 300 guns into Philadelphia over five months.
The sentence was handed down Wednesday by United States District Court Judge John M. Younge. O’Bannon’s role in the operation involved the straw purchasing of firearms from dealers in Atlanta, Georgia. These weapons were then transported across state lines and sold on the black market in Philadelphia, a practice known as the “iron pipeline.”
Law enforcement agencies have since recovered dozens of these firearms from various locations, including crime scenes. Tragically, two Philadelphia residents have lost their lives due to crimes committed with these weapons. The guns have also been used in other violent crimes, such as shootings, carjackings, and drug trafficking.
O’Bannon’s co-conspirators have also received substantial sentences. Edwin Burgos, who led the Philadelphia side of the operation, received a 120-month sentence. Fredrick Norman, the leader of the Atlanta side, was sentenced to 99 months. Other members of the operation, Ernest Payton, Kenneth Burgos, Roger Millington, and Stephen Norman received sentences ranging from 27 to 75 months.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero commented on the case, stating, “An important piece of our commitment to stopping the illegal flow of guns through the ‘iron pipeline’ is charging crimes like straw purchasing.” She added that the sentencing in this case sends a clear message about the severe consequences of such activities.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric Degree acknowledged the impact of the operation on Philadelphia, a city already grappling with gun violence. He expressed gratitude for the support of various law enforcement agencies which allowed them to dismantle the firearm trafficking organization.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department of Justice’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation into this case, with Assistant United States Attorney Priya T. De Souza leading the prosecution.
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