Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on May 6 that four members of a Paterson-based gun trafficking organization, including its leader, were sentenced to prison for transporting over 120 firearms from South Carolina into New Jersey for illegal sale.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by state authorities to address the influx of out-of-state firearms and enforce New Jersey’s strict gun safety laws. According to the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin holds statewide authority to enforce laws, prosecute offenses, and regulate public safety matters under its statutory mandate.official website
Travis Thomas, identified as the ringleader and a resident of Lamar, South Carolina and formerly Paterson, received a sentence of ten years in state prison with an 85% parole ineligibility period. He had previously pleaded guilty to first-degree racketeering. “New Jersey is fortunate to have some of the toughest gun safety laws in the country, but we must be vigilant about preventing weapons from being trafficked here from other states,” said Attorney General Davenport. “We are always working to stop gun trafficking.” Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton said: “The leader of this enterprise was able to buy guns cheaply and easily from South Carolina and then deliver them to Paterson, where he had ties to the community. He may have thought flooding New Jersey with weapons was an easy way to make money, but putting New Jersey residents at risk with these dangerous weapons has serious consequences.” Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle added: “The sentencing of these individuals — including the alleged ringleader — to prison for trafficking firearms into New Jersey sends a powerful and unmistakable message: those who fuel violence and profit from putting lives at risk will be met with decisive consequences. Illegal guns have no place in our neighborhoods, and every firearm taken out of the wrong hands is a critical step in preventing tragedy. This case reinforces our firm commitment to protecting lives and preserving the safety and stability of the communities we serve.”
Three additional codefendants were also sentenced: Yaquin Perry received seven years; Tyquan Evans received five years; both face mandatory periods without parole eligibility for second-degree firearm transport charges; Marquetta Wilson was given non-custodial probation after pleading guilty to third-degree conspiracy related charges.
Authorities reported that two more codefendants had been sentenced earlier this year while nine others await sentencing following their guilty pleas. The investigation by New Jersey State Police—supported by federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—resulted in multiple arrests as well as seizure of twelve firearms during operations.
According to documents filed in court proceedings, Thomas organized procurement efforts among associates in South Carolina before arranging transport northward where middlemen facilitated sales within Paterson at significant markups compared with original purchase prices.
According to the official website,the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin offers services including law enforcement oversight across all counties statewide along with legal representation initiatives designed around justice administration throughout New Jersey.
