HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania authorities charged 12 people in western Pennsylvania with offenses tied to alleged straw purchases and illegal firearm transfers, expanding an investigation into guns that prosecutors say were later recovered at crime scenes or in the possession of others.
The cases were developed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Allegheny County Gun Violence Task Force and other law-enforcement partners. Authorities said efforts to trace and recover additional firearms are continuing and further charges are possible.
Among those charged is 19-year-old Kyree McCray, who faces firearms offenses as well as a charge of possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Robert Crowley, 21, described by authorities as a close acquaintance of McCray, was charged with felony carrying a firearm without a license and offenses related to the alleged illegal transfer of another firearm.
McCray and Crowley were taken into custody last month at 325 Albert Street, where authorities reported recovering several handguns, magazines, ammunition and firearm accessories, including a muzzle brake and speed loader.
Both men were denied bail following recent arraignments after a magisterial district judge cited each as a “danger to the community,” according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Makai Kenney, 24, was also denied bail. Prosecutors allege Kenney illegally transferred at least six firearms he had purchased that were later recovered by police at crime scenes or in other people’s possession.
Authorities identified Kenney as an alleged straw purchaser following an investigation into a shooting on Constance Street in Pittsburgh.
“These defendants all engaged in straw purchasing or other illegal transfers of firearms,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “Guns obtained in this way so often end up at violent crime scenes and in the hands of people who are prohibited from legal possession.”
Nine additional defendants face allegations involving illegal firearm possession or transfers, conspiracy or related offenses: Davar Reid, 22, of Turtle Creek; Sharon Gore, 42, of Turtle Creek; Carley Chedwick, 25, of West Mifflin; Aaron B. Ridgely, 28, of Homestead; Shelly Bonacci, 39, of Duquesne; Shawn M. Mason, 32, of Penn Hills; Joni Atkinson, 32, of Pittsburgh; Lavandra Carpenter, 29, of Pittsburgh; and Ethan Drolz, 23, of Verona.
The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the cases.
All charges are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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