Members of phantom arms trafficking network sentenced to prison

CAMDEN, New Jersey — Several individuals involved in a weapons manufacturing and trafficking ring in Passaic and Hudson counties have been sentenced to prison for crimes related to the creation and sale of “ghost guns” and other serious crimes, announced United States Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Sentence details:

• Corey Jenkins Jr.31, of Paterson, NJ: sentenced to 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
• Richard Mullane27, from Bayonne, NJ: Sentenced on June 5, 2024, to 72 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
• Savion Clyburn21, of Paterson, NJ: Sentenced on May 30, 2024, to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

The defendants pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams to charges including conspiracy to engage in unlicensed firearms trafficking and unlicensed firearms trafficking. Jenkins also pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and Mullane to possession of child pornography.

Context of the case: Beginning in December 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), alongside state and local law enforcement, began an investigation into the drug trafficking network. guns operating primarily in Paterson and Bayonne. Through controlled purchases made in December 2022 and January 2023, authorities recovered more than a dozen firearms. Additional firearms were seized during the execution of search warrants on January 30, 2023, including a homemade loaded firearm (PMF) that Jenkins attempted to throw out the window after noticing the presence of the law enforcement.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local authorities to dismantle illegal gun rings and reduce gun violence through strong enforcement and prosecution of firearms crimes.

UTICA, New York — The City of Utica Police Department has responded to widely spread rumors and social media posts regarding the potential euthanasia of a dog currently in their care.

Luckily, just because it's posted on Facebook (aka Fakebook) doesn't mean it's true.

The ministry confirmed that these rumors are unfounded and that the dog is not at risk of euthanasia.

In a recent statement, Utica police described the dog as one of the “kindest and friendliest dogs” they have encountered and emphasized their goal of finding him a loving home. The ministry is encouraging the community to consider adopting this well-behaved dog, who they say would make a wonderful addition to any home.

Those interested in adopting are asked to contact the Utica Police Department to provide this deserving dog with a forever, caring home.

ALLENTOWN, PA—A dramatic chase unfolded in Allentown on Monday, June 10, when local police officers spotted a wanted man in the 600 block of N. 9th St. The individual, identified as Kalvon Fauntleroy, 25, d 'Allentown, attempted to evade capture. when crossing a house to access the roofs of connected townhouses.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Allentown Police quickly established a perimeter and were able to effectively deescalate the situation. Fauntleroy was then taken into custody without further incident.

Initially wanted for illegal firearm possession, Fauntleroy now faces additional charges of disorderly conduct and fleeing to avoid apprehension, following his attempted escape from police.

LIVE OAK, California — Charges have been dropped against a second-grade teacher at Nuestro Elementary School who was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and child endangerment after allegedly teaching while intoxicated.

The Sutter County Prosecutor's Office announced it would not pursue the case due to insufficient evidence.

The incident occurred on the morning of October 2, when a colleague reported that the teacher appeared to be intoxicated. Authorities confirmed her blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit for driving (0.08%) about two hours after first contacting her. However, prosecutor Jennifer Dupre said they could not prove the teacher was under the influence when she drove to school.

In a Facebook post, Dupré explained: “During the investigation, it could not be established that [the teacher] was under the influence when she drove to school, instead of drinking only after she arrived. » Additionally, the criteria for child endangerment were not met, as there was no specific evidence indicating that the children were in immediate danger.

Dupré emphasized that while teaching while intoxicated is highly inappropriate, it is not illegal. The teacher was initially jailed after his arrest, but the decision not to prosecute highlights the complexity of proving such cases under current law.

The teacher's identity has not been released and the school district has not commented on her employment status following the incident.

BRONX, NY—New York City police have arrested and charged Jalessa Richardson, 32, in connection with a homicide that occurred early last month. Richardson was arrested early Wednesday in the Bronx and faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The incident took place on Saturday, June 1 at 1418 Oakley Street, where officers were dispatched following a 911 call regarding an assault victim. The victim, identified as Ashley Smith, 37, of Mt Vernon, New York, was found with a serious neck injury. She was transported by emergency services to NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi, where she was pronounced dead.

Richardson, a resident of 1544 Walton Avenue in the Bronx, was taken into custody without incident. The arrest was made at 1:10 a.m. by officers from the 47th Precinct, who had been investigating the case since the incident was reported.

HURLOCK, MD — A fire that broke out at 3:57 p.m. on June 11, 2024 caused significant damage to a shed located at 4312 Pheasant Drive. The structure, a 12' x 20' wood frame shed, suffered an estimated $10,000 in structural damage and a loss of contents of $15,000.

The fire was discovered by a neighbor who alerted the authorities. The Hurlock Volunteer Fire Department responded quickly with 15 firefighters and was able to bring the fire under control within 15 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported.

The shed was not equipped with smoke detectors, fire alarms or sprinklers at the time of the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Authorities are seeking additional information regarding the fire. If you have any information, please contact the Deputy State Fire Marshals in the Lower Eastern Regional Office at 410-713-3780.