Romeoville Gang Member Sold Guns to Wire-Wearing Witness: AG

A Romeoville gang member who allegedly sold guns and sent text messages about buying guns to a wire-wearing witness has been charged with multiple felonies.

Miguel Martinez, 27, was arraigned Monday on a 14-count indictment for gunrunning, unlawful sale or delivery of firearms, aggravated possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a stolen firearm by a street gang member, money laundering and aggravated unlawful use of a firearm, according to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Martinez was allegedly a member of the Two-Two Boys Gang.

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Madigan said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives began an investigation after discovering Martinez was allegedly selling guns in Illinois. The ATF used a witness to purchase guns from Martinez, who also sent text messages to the witness offering guns for sale.

“These charges are the result of a coordinated effort among our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to put a stop to this criminal enterprise that endangers too many lives,” Madigan said.

From October 2015 through April 13, 2016, the witness allegedly purchased 11 guns from Martinez and paid him a total of $10,650. The witness’ initial purchase was in Cook County, and the following 10 purchases were made in DuPage County. All of the purchases were monitored by ATF agents and involved a recording device worn by the witness, Madigan said.

At least four of the 11 firearms sold to the witness by Martinez were reported stolen, including firearms from Cook County, Grundy County, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.