ATLANTA, GA – A sprawling firearms trafficking operation funneling weapons across international borders has been cracked by federal agents, with four defendants arraigned this week and a fifth still on the run. The ring allegedly sourced guns from the southeastern U.S., pushing them into the hands of criminals in Canada and Mexico. The investigation, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), reveals a brazen scheme to circumvent gun laws for profit.
Grevaughn Sanchez Goodman, 23, of Homestead, Florida, known on the streets as “The General,” stands accused of conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license and, more seriously, firearms trafficking conspiracy – a charge stemming from a new federal statute passed in June 2022. Also arraigned were Shavonte Justin Summers, 22, of Homestead, Florida; Tranquilo G. Goodman, 24, of Miramar, Florida, and Demetrius Lamont Randolph, Jr., 23, of Homestead, Florida, all facing charges of conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated the illegal purchasing of firearms for others is a serious crime that frequently places guns in the hands of individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The alleged mastermind, Dexter Wellington Roberts, III, 43, of Austell, Georgia, remains at large. Roberts, also known as “Science,” faces the most severe charges: conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license, dealing in firearms without a license, firearms trafficking conspiracy, and smuggling. He was initially arrested in mid-October in the Bahamas on an unrelated weapons charge, complicating efforts to bring him back to the U.S. to face these federal indictments. All five were indicted by a federal grand jury on October 24th.
Court documents reveal a meticulously planned operation beginning in December 2022. Roberts allegedly conspired with a Canadian citizen and others to acquire large quantities of firearms. Roberts himself purchased at least 49 firearms retail. Grevaughn Goodman quickly followed suit in January, amassing over 50 guns through the spring. Tranquilo Goodman, Grevaughn’s brother, joined the operation in March, adding another 11 firearms to the growing stockpile. Summers and Randolph allegedly entered the scheme later, purchasing over 50 and at least 10 guns respectively, within short periods.
Law enforcement officials have already seized over 120 firearms connected to the conspiracy in four bulk seizures, including a massive haul of 47 weapons found in Henry County during a search related to Roberts. Numerous other weapons allegedly purchased by the defendants have surfaced in law enforcement seizures across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, painting a clear picture of the operation’s international reach. Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Raymond Connor stated that the investigation is an example of cooperation between multiple partner agencies.
All four arraigned defendants – Goodman, Summers, Tranquilo Goodman, and Randolph – appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment only contains charges, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the ATF, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Alana is prosecuting the case.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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