Miami Courant

Thirteen defendants charged with firearms trafficking related offenses; over one hundred-forty firearms seized

May 31, 2024

MIAMI – U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, announced today that since January 2024 the Southern District of Florida has indicted 13 defendants for federal firearms trafficking-related offenses. These include smuggling of firearms, dealing in firearms without a license, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and making a false statement in a firearms purchase. Over 140 firearms have been seized.

“Traffickers who illegally engage in the business of unlicensed firearms dealing contribute to the illicit flow of firearms into the black market,” stated U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “All too often these powerful firearms then make their way into the hands of felons, gang members, and other violent offenders. Some of these weapons make their way into countries in our hemisphere with undesirable consequences in those places as well. Our Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify targets who unlawfully traffic in and possess firearms, prosecute the offenders, and reduce gun violence. We are grateful for the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line to help keep our communities safe and firearms out of the hands of unauthorized persons.”

“Firearms trafficking is a crime that affects our communities in many ways and ATF and HSI Miami are in communication and collaboration with our unique jurisdictions to combat the flow of illegal weapons to those who perpetrate violent acts,” said ATF Miami Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson.

“The illegal trafficking of weapons out of the United States is a top priority for HSI. These weapons are fueling violence in our neighboring nations and continue to destabilize parts of the region,” said Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Miami.

The arrests stem from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an evidence-based program aimed at reducing violent crime through community engagement and strategic enforcement against violent offenders.

The following cases were charged:

- **U.S. v. Jamaal Calloway**: Charged with dealing without a license among other offenses; pleaded guilty.

- **U.S. v. Ronald Zapete & Amanda Roden**: Indicted separately for smuggling firearms to Dominican Republic.

- **U.S. v. Trevin Roberts**: Charged with smuggling from Miami to Bahamas; also charged as felon possessing firearm.

- **U.S. v Samuel Pierre & Reginald Louis Chosson**: Conspiracy charges involving smuggling from Miami to Haiti.

- **U.S v Nathaniel Christian Guillaume**: False statement during firearm purchase.

- **U.S v Dante Marquaze Donaldson & Jeleel Eion Gumbs**: Conspiring to smuggle from U.S.to Saint Martin.

- **U.S v Sondy Dales**: Delivering three firearms abroad.

- **U.S v Hiledin Quintero Martinez aka “Mily Alvarez”**: Conspiracy involving deliveries destined for Venezuela/Colombia.

- **U.S v Jacoby Karmaren Smith**: Aiding false statements during purchases.

- **U.S v Allen John Collier**: False statements during multiple purchases; some transported to Jamaica.

Convictions carry maximum statutory penalties ranging from five years for conspiracy or delivery without notification up to fifteen years depending on specific charges such as possession by convicted felons or unlawful transfer/possession.

An indictment contains mere allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Further information can be found on websites www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl or www.flsd.courts.gov under corresponding case numbers.

###