ATHENS, Ga. — Federal prosecutors have unsealed a 23-count indictment charging five individuals accused of operating a firearms trafficking ring that allegedly transported dozens of guns from Georgia to Chicago, where investigators say some were used in gang-related shootings, including a murder.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes announced the charges Wednesday, describing the case as the result of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The indictment, filed April 15 and unsealed June 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, charges:
- Anthony Edmond, also known as “Chapo” and “Chapo Barksdale,” of Athens.
- Rafael Enriquez, also known as “Ritchie Rich” and “Ralph,” of Chicago.
- Elijah Lucena, also known as “Eli” and “GMT Eli,” of Chicago.
- Keontice Reed, also known as “Manman” and “GMT Manman,” of Chicago.
- Melvin Griffin, also known as “Memo600,” of Snellville and Chicago.
According to the indictment, Edmond allegedly served as the primary Georgia-based purchaser of firearms for members and associates of Chicago street gangs, including the Black Disciples and Conservative Vice Lords…