Antonio Joseph Santos, Illicit Firearm Sales, North Carolina 2022
A Rocky Mount man was arrested today on charges of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
According to court documents, between May and July 2022, Antonio Joseph Santos, 49, sold eight firearms illegally to a confidential informant employed by law enforcement in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Of the eight firearms, one had an obliterated serial number, two had an extended or high-capacity magazine, and two were previously reported stolen. Federal and local agents also surveilled Santos traveling to a storage unit facility in Rocky Mount prior to the various firearm transactions.
On July 8, 2022, agents executed search warrants at Santos' residence and his storage unit. Inside Santos' residence, law enforcement located an additional two firearms: one AR-style rifle with a high-capacity magazine and one AK-style rifle that did not bear a serial number.
At Santos' storage unit, law enforcement located an additional four firearms: three rifles and one revolver. One of these firearms was previously reported stolen. Agents also found assorted ammunition and magazines, and pistol conversion kits.
Antonio Joseph Santos faces a maximum penalty of 120 months if convicted.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Nash County Sheriff's Office, Rocky Mount Police Department, and Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office.
A(n) indictment/criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In related news, the U.S. Attorney's Office and ATF are committed to keeping firearms out of the hands of prohibited individuals.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Michael Easley, made the announcement.
Defendant: Antonio Joseph Santos
Criminal Charges: Dealing Firearms Without a Federal Firearms License and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number
City and State: Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Exact Date: July 8, 2022
Sentence or Outcome: Faces a maximum penalty of 120 months if convicted
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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