A North Carolina man pleaded guilty to conspiring to sell firearms without a license in a case involving guns purchased in North Carolina and recovered in Buffalo.
Jerry Baine, 23, of Durham, faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy to engage in the firearms business without a license, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office release. Sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2027, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo.
Prosecutors said Baine conspired with Hassain Humphrey, Keishawn Turner, Jylin Woods and Benjamin Martin between March 2023 and June 23, 2025.
During that period, Baine sent Humphrey photographs of about 19 firearms, including privately manufactured guns without serial numbers. The two discussed prices, and Baine repeatedly indicated the weapons were for sale, according to the government's account.
In one exchange, Baine said a price proposed by Humphrey would not leave him enough profit. Their messages also used the terms “ghost” and “p80” when discussing privately manufactured firearms without serial numbers.
Baine bought multiple guns from North Carolina retailers. One was recovered during a separate Buffalo criminal investigation July 4, 2024, and another was recovered during a Buffalo investigation June 19, 2026.
During an October 2024 interview with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Baine said he had bought multiple guns for Humphrey and knew Humphrey and another person were reselling them in New York, prosecutors said.
Baine said he sold the guns because he was unemployed and needed money. He admitted neither he nor Humphrey held a federal firearms importer, manufacturer, dealer or collector license.
Humphrey and Turner were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Charges against Woods and Martin remain pending.
Buffalo police and the ATF investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis Testani and Monica Benjovsky are prosecuting the case.
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