Seven Atlanta Men Indicted on Gun Thefts

Seven Atlanta men defendants have been indicted on federal charges of a conspiracy to steal firearms from dealers, as well as on charges of possession of multiple stolen firearms, and theft from firearms dealers throughout Georgia and Alabama.

“Thefts from firearms dealers have become a serious issue in our district and elsewhere, and sometimes stolen firearms are used to commit other crimes,” said U. S. Attorney John A. Horn. “The arrests and indictment of these seven individuals is a significant step in solving these crimes and helping to prevent the distribution of stolen firearms in our community.”

“This is another reminder that ATF and our law enforcement partners will remain on the frontlines of preventing violent crime and not allow criminal behavior to threaten the safety of innocent civilians,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt.

According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between October 2015 and December 2015, there were seven thefts and three attempted thefts from firearms dealers in Northwest Georgia, along with other parts of the state, as well as in the state of Alabama.

The indictment alleges that during the investigation, these seven defendants were identified as the ones who committed the burglaries. The perpetrators always struck at night. They entered either by driving a stolen car through the storefront, or using bolt cutters and a window punch to break into the businesses. Approximately 130 guns were stolen in these thefts, and there is evidence that some of the conspirators sold some of the stolen guns.

ATF agents worked closely with local law enforcement to connect the thefts and develop information on the conspirators, including the Tallapoosa Police Department, Dalton Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe Police Department, Thomson Police Department, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Warner Robbins Police Department, Lagrange Police Department, and the Pearl, Mississippi Police Department.

The following defendants were arraigned on April 13, 2016, before United States Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson:

· Terry Eugene Brown, 26, has been charged with conspiracy to possess and steal firearms, three counts of theft of firearms from federally licensed dealers, three counts of possession of stolen firearms, and unlawful possession of firearms while pending felony indictment.

· Jakeisia Miller, 19, has been charged with conspiracy to possess and steal firearms, three counts of aiding and abetting the theft of firearms from federally licensed dealers, and three counts of aiding and abetting the possession of stolen firearms.

· Demontra Sharod Lucear, 26, has been charged with conspiracy to possess and steal firearms.

· Dillon James Leborgne, 21, has been charged with conspiracy to possess and steal firearms, three counts of theft of firearms from federally licensed dealers, and three counts of possession of stolen firearms.

· Eric Jerome Moore, 22, of Atlanta, Georgia, has been charged with conspiracy to possess and steal firearms, one count of theft of firearms from a federally licensed dealer, one count of possession of stolen firearms, and unlawful possession by a convicted felon.

The following two defendants will be arraigned on May 3, 2016:

· Jacquez Miller, 23, has been charged with conspiracy to possess and steal firearms, one count of theft of firearms from a federally licensed dealer, and one count of possession of stolen firearms.

· Jameel Yusef Drinkard, 35, of has been charged with conspiracy to possess and steal firearms, one count of theft of firearms from a federally licensed dealer, one count of possession of stolen firearms, and unlawful possession by a convicted felon.