Four individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a firearms trafficking ring that operated in the metro Atlanta area, smuggling guns to the Dominican Republic. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the commitment to disrupting illegal firearm flows, stating, "Firearms traffickers present an immediate danger to communities within and outside our district." Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones highlighted the importance of investigating and bringing firearms traffickers to justice swiftly, stating, "This is an excellent example of such an investigation that was worked cooperatively by multiple partner agencies with outstanding results."
HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in thwarting the illicit trafficking of deadly weapons. Special Agent Edwin Lopez from Homeland Security Investigations Attaché, U.S. Embassy, Santo Domingo, expressed gratitude for the coordination between federal, local, and international partners in achieving successful sentences for the defendants.
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the defendants engaged in deceptive practices to acquire firearms, with the Mileys purchasing at least 73 Glock 9 mm semiautomatic pistols for Jonathan Hiraldo Abreu, who later directed his cousin, Jose Munoz, to manage gun purchases. Munoz oversaw the purchase of 22 firearms, leading to the recovery of nine guns in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, hidden in a shipping container.
The defendants were sentenced as follows:
- Jonathan Hiraldo Abreu: four years, two months in prison
- Charqweshia Sierra Miley: two years, three months in prison
- Cornel Rashard Miley: two years, three months in prison
- Jose Munoz: one year and one month in prison
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from various law enforcement agencies. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.
The sentencing of the defendants is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. For further information, the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office can be contacted at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.