Charlie D. Vick, Gun Theft from Licensed Dealer, Massachusetts 2018

In a brazen daylight heist exploiting state law loopholes, Charlie D. Vick, 30, of Everett, Mass., and Gabriel A. Rosario, 23, of Chelsea, Mass., pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges stemming from the theft of a .22 caliber gun from a licensed dealer in Woonsocket, R.I., in August 2018. The scheme, uncovered by ATF and local police, reveals how criminals cross state lines to exploit weaker gun regulations.

Vick admitted in U.S. District Court in Providence to being a felon in possession of ammunition, a charge tied directly to the same incident. On August 31, 2018, the two men traveled from Boston with intent to exploit Rhode Island’s lack of ammunition background checks. Once inside the store, Vick distracted the manager while Rosario lifted the .22 caliber firearm from a display countertop, slipped it into his waistband, and walked out.

After Rosario fled with the stolen weapon, Vick completed a legal purchase of three ammunition boxes — .38 caliber Smith & Wesson, .38 special, and Remington .45 caliber — despite being a convicted felon. Surveillance footage captured both men entering a dark-colored, late-model vehicle rented by Vick and speeding back to Boston. Within days, the stolen firearm surfaced on Boston streets, sold for cash in the underground gun market.

ATF responded by offering a $1,500 reward for tips leading to the suspects’ identification. At least two witnesses contacted Woonsocket Police, identifying Vick from surveillance photos. Investigators confirmed the getaway vehicle was rented in the Boston area under Vick’s name, sealing the connection. The break in the case highlighted the role public cooperation plays in cracking organized gun crime.

Rosario pleaded guilty on March 7, 2019, to theft of a firearm from a licensed dealer. Vick entered his guilty plea on a later date. Both men made their initial court appearance in Providence on January 17, 2019. Sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Chief Judge William E. Smith — Rosario on June 14, 2019, and Vick on August 22, 2019.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah. U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady, and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates credited the U.S. Marshals Service and Chelsea, Mass., Police Department for critical support in tracking down and arresting the duo. The investigation underscores the federal crackdown on interstate gun trafficking networks operating in New England.