Federal Jury Finds Houston Man Guilty In Firearms Conspiracy

HOUSTON - Tyrone Reid, 22, of Houston, has been found guilty of a conspiracy involving numerous co-defendants who lied to federal firearms dealers in the purchase of firearms, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. The Houston federal jury returned its verdicts this afternoon after three days of trial and approximately two hours of deliberation.

The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Reid would induce others to claim that they were the actual buyer of the firearms, even though Reid supplied the money and immediately took possession from the buyer. Testimony revealed that none of the purported buyers kept any of the firearms they purchased, many which were later found in crime scenes, both in the United States and in the Virgin Islands.

Western Union receipts sent from the Virgin Islands to the United States reflected more than $60,000 in payments received by Reid or at his direction. Three of the firearms were recovered by agents in a search at the home of one of Reid’s associates, who was also linked to some of the money sent to the Virgin Islands to Reid here in Houston. Evidence demonstrated that a total of seven firearms were seized in the Virgin Islands, six of which were seized from crime scenes, including a homicide. Two other firearms associated with this conspiracy were found in New Jersey crime scenes, including an aggravated armed robbery. 

Testimony revealed that more than 30 firearms were identified with this lying and buying conspiracy.

Reid’s grandmother, who had traveled here to testify, told the jury that Reid had sent guns to her in the Virgin Islands. Reid took the stand on his own behalf and then called his grandmother a liar.

U.S. District Judge David Hittner, who presided over trial, has set sentencing for May 14, 2013, at which time Reid faces up to 20 years in prison. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan J. Paulson and Joe Magliolo prosecuted the case.