Bridgeport Man Sentenced for Gun Trafficking Ring

A 39-year-old Bridgeport man has been sentenced for his role in a gun trafficking ring that brought illicit firearms from Georgia to Connecticut, federal authorities announced.

TYREE THOMAS, 39, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Between approximately August 2021 and March 2022, Thomas traveled to Georgia multiple times where, using a straw purchaser, he acquired at least 20 firearms. He then transported the firearms to Connecticut where he sold or transferred them to felons and others who were not licensed to possess them.

Several of the firearms that Thomas acquired in Georgia have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut, including two that were recovered in connection with homicides. Thomas was arrested on September 6, 2023, and is currently released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

Thomas’ criminal history includes felony convictions and he is prohibited from purchasing firearms. The case against Thomas is part of a larger effort by federal authorities to combat gun violence and reduce crime in Connecticut. “This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun trafficking on our communities,” said Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Thomas’ guilty plea is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Rahul Kale through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together law enforcement and community organizations to reduce gun violence and other violent crime. PSN is a key component of the Justice Department’s violent crime reduction strategy.

“Gun trafficking is a serious crime that puts innocent lives at risk,” said Avery. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to take down gun traffickers and keep our communities safe.”

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Bridgeport Police Department.