New Jersey Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Over 60 Firearms Purchased in Georgia
ATF Targets Weapons Trafficking from Metro Atlanta
ATLANTA - Paul Boykins, 27, of Newark, New Jersey, a convicted felon who illegally acquired over 60 firearms in Georgia and then drove them to New Jersey, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Richard W. Story to serve 5 years, 8 months in federal prison on charges of conspiring to make false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Georgia holds the unfortunate distinction of being a top source state for firearms trafficking. This case highlights our continued efforts to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who come to our state for the purpose of illegally acquiring firearms for transport to other states, where they are often sold to criminals.”
“This investigation is a testament to the collective resolve of federal and local law enforcement to stem the flow of illegal firearms from state to state,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Scott Sweetow. “Our investigative history has shown us that gun trafficking fuels violence by criminals and criminal organizations, and threatens the security of the people of this great nation. The sentence today shows this criminal activity will not go unpunished in the northern judicial district of Georgia.”
Boykins was sentenced to 5 years, 8 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Boykins was convicted of these charges on July 26, 2012, upon his plea of guilty.
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: Between May and October 2011, Boykins arranged for and paid co-conspirators to purchase over 60 firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in Metro Atlanta, and then transported the firearms to the state of New Jersey. As a convicted felon, Boykins was prohibited from purchasing firearms. On October 25, 2011, while he was en route to New Jersey, Boykins was stopped by officers with the Commerce, Georgia Police Department for a traffic infraction. During a search of Boykins’ vehicle, officers recovered nine firearms concealed in the trunk. In January 2012, officers with the Newark, New Jersey Police Department responded to a burglary in progress call and recovered a handgun that was connected to Boykins’ firearms trafficking group.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey A. Brown prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Information Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.justice.gov/usao/gan.
