Anthony Doyle, Gun Trafficking, New Jersey 2018

Anthony Doyle, a 28-year-old convicted felon from Fayetteville, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to his role in an illegal scheme to buy weapons in Georgia and transport them to New Jersey for resale, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Doyle conspired with Anastacia Thomas, 26, also from Fayetteville, to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license from November 30, 2017, to January 25, 2018.

During a traffic stop in Deptford, New Jersey, on January 25, 2018, law enforcement officers observed a Glock handgun in plain view on the front seat passenger floor, loaded with 14 hollow tip bullets. A search of the car and backpack revealed four additional handguns and two additional firearm boxes.

The investigation revealed that Doyle, a convicted felon, was responsible for selecting the firearms, transporting the firearms up to New Jersey, finding buyers for the firearms, and selling the firearms at a profit. To accomplish these tasks, Doyle used his social media accounts to advertise the firearms for sale, negotiate pricing for the firearms, and arrange the firearm sales.

Thomas was responsible for purchasing firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers and helping Doyle transport the firearms to New Jersey for resale. She also handled the profits from the resales.

The charge of conspiring to engage in gun trafficking carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Doyle's sentencing is scheduled for October 28, 2019. Thomas previously pleaded guilty to her role in the firearm-trafficking conspiracy and her sentencing is scheduled for October 7, 2019.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/north-carolina-felon-admits-role-gun-trafficking-scheme