Ex Sheriff Deputy Sold Guns Used In Roxborough HS Shooting: Feds

PHILADELPHIA — Federal gun trafficking charges have been filed against a former Philadelphia Sheriff's Deputy after authorities said he sold two guns to a confidential informant that were used in the deadly shooting outside Roxborough High School.

United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero said Samir Ahmad, 29, of Philadelphia, was charged by Criminal Complaint with firearms trafficking and selling firearms to a person unlawfully in the United States, arising from his sale of two semi-automatic pistols to a confidential informant while he was employed as a Deputy Sheriff with the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.

According to the court documents, Ahmad was employed as a Deputy Sheriff with the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office beginning in February 2018.

In October 2022, when Ahmad was a sworn law enforcement officer as a Deputy Sheriff, he allegedly sold two semi-automatic pistols and ammunition to a confidential informant, authorities said.

During the exchange, the informant explained to Ahmad that he was unlawfully in the United States, and that he could "get deported" if he was caught in possession of a gun.

Authorities said Ahmad responded, simply: "You don’t got to worry about none of that."

Multiple news agencies report authorities allege the firearms sold were used in the Sept. 27 shooting outside Roxborough High School that killed 14-year-old Nicholas Elizalde and hurt four other teenagers.

Ahmad is accused of making $3,000 from the sale of the firearms.

On Oct. 19, Ahmad was fired from the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office and arrested by federal agents.

The investigation is ongoing.

"As alleged, Samir Ahmad abused his authority – to the greatest extent possible – as a sworn law enforcement officer," Romero said. "The defendant was allegedly illegally selling firearms on the street to at least one person who was not permitted to possess them, adding fuel to the already-incendiary fire of deadly gun violence in the City of Philadelphia. Working with our law enforcement partners, we are doing all that we can to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the violence."

If convicted, Ahmad faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison.