Burlington County Man Admits He Sold Guns Illegally in South Jersey

A Burlington County man admitted to selling at least 200 handguns to a Camden drug dealer and other criminals in the Camden area, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said on Tuesday.

Joshua Jackson, 35, a.k.a. “Trent,” of Willingboro, said he bought the guns using cash from other illegal gun dealers in Ohio and from straw purchases by associates of his from gun stores in Columbus, Ohio between December of 2009 and September of 2010, according to Fishman.

Jackson pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count each of dealing firearms without a license, conspiracy to deal in firearms without a federal firearms license, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Jackson bought most of his guns from unlicensed firearms dealers at gun shows, according to documents filed in this and related cases, as well as statements made in court. By purchasing guns this way, he was not subjected to a background check.

He would then transport the guns from Ohio to Camden in a rental car, and by using an associate to transport them in duffel bags on Greyhound buses running between Columbus and the Greyhound bus terminals in Philadelphia and Mount Laurel.

Jackson sold many of the guns to Terrance Laboo, 33, of Oaklyn, who previously admitted he knew he was buying guns that came illegally from Ohio and Virginia.

Laboo previously admitted that he was a Camden drug dealer who was selling PCP and cocaine from the corner of 4th and Chestnut Streets in Camden at the time he was buying guns from Jackson.

Laboo also previously admitted he sold, directed or brokered the sale of many of the guns he bought to other drug dealers in South Jersey.

Jackson also sold guns to other criminals in the South Jersey area.

The illegal firearms dealing count and the conspiracy count to which Jackson pleaded guilty each carry a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The possession of firearms by a convicted felon count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 2.