Georgia Man Charged with Firearms Trafficking

U.S. authorities have charged 32-year-old Liddon Young of Atlanta, Georgia, with conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license, dealing in firearms without a license, transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with the intent to commit a felony, and traveling from one state to another to acquire a firearm in furtherance of dealing in firearms without a license.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Young allegedly sold more than 45 handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition to a Rochester-based associate over the last four months.

The gun sales took place in Rochester and the Atlanta, Georgia area. After purchasing the handguns from Young, the associate sold the guns to various others in the Rochester area. On February 8, 2013, law enforcement officers arrested Young in a Chevrolet Tahoe and recovered a .380 caliber handgun, which was loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, and a gun magazine containing an additional seven rounds of ammunition.

During this investigation, federal agents and local officers recovered a total of 14 handguns, more than 800 rounds of ammunition, and a bulletproof vest. “This case demonstrates the commitment of our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who illegally bring guns into our community,” said U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr.

The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Firearms Suppression Unit, composed of law enforcement personnel from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Joseph A. Anarumo, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James M. Sheppard.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Young illegally sold more than 45 handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition to a Rochester-based associate over the last four months.

The fact that the defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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