A Georgia man is facing federal charges after authorities say he illegally sold machine guns and other firearms that were shipped from Atlanta to Rochester, New York.
Devontae Jones, 27, of Atlanta, has been indicted on four counts, including dealing firearms without a license and transferring a machine gun, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
If convicted, Jones faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
Firearms shipped from Georgia to New York
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Jones in early 2024. He was suspected of running an illegal gun operation from Georgia to New York.
Between February and May 2024, undercover agents conducted a series of controlled firearm purchases from Jones. In total, investigators say they purchased 20 firearms, including four machine guns, all shipped from Atlanta to Rochester.
Arrest and detention
Jones was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and has been detained pending trial.
The case is being prosecuted in federal court as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal gun trafficking into New York.
Joint investigation leads to indictment
The charges stem from a joint investigation by:
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller
- The United States Postal Inspection Service, under Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward, Boston Division
Officials say the case underscores the risks posed by illegal firearm distribution networks and the importance of interstate coordination in dismantling them.
As with all federal charges, the indictment is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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