Jahquel Pringle, Conspiracy to Illegally Transport Firearms, Massachusetts 2020

BOSTON, MA – A Boston man with a prior felony conviction has confessed to running guns from Alabama to the streets of Boston, a scheme that put at least seven firearms into the hands of criminals. Jahquel Pringle, 26, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to illegally transport firearms, two counts of illegal transportation of firearms, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Pringle, along with co-defendants Brandon Moore, Jarmori Brown, and Kobe Smith, conspired to purchase at least 24 firearms in Alabama – where Moore resides – and smuggle them north. Pringle made two trips in July and August 2020, traveling by commercial bus to Alabama, picking up the concealed weapons, and then returning to Boston, all while concealing the firearms within his luggage. Surveillance footage even captured Pringle firing one of the illegally obtained guns in Alabama.

The brazen operation wasn’t just about moving guns; it was about fueling violence. Authorities have already recovered seven of the firearms used in crimes across Boston and surrounding communities. Pringle’s criminal history prohibits him from possessing firearms, yet he orchestrated this interstate smuggling operation with apparent disregard for the law. He faces significant prison time for his actions.

This isn’t a solo conviction. Jarmori Brown was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release last July for his role in the conspiracy. Brandon Moore’s case has been transferred to the Middle District of Alabama, where he has also pleaded guilty. Kobe Smith remains in custody, awaiting trial. The investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), highlights the persistent flow of illegal firearms into the city.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV has scheduled Pringle’s sentencing for June 6. He could face up to five years in prison for both the interstate transportation and conspiracy charges, and up to ten years for the felon in possession charges – along with potential fines of up to $250,000 per charge. The final sentence will be determined based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and ATF Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson announced the guilty plea.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. While officials tout PSN as a key component in fighting crime, the continued flow of illegal firearms into cities like Boston demonstrates the uphill battle facing authorities. The details in the charging documents are allegations, and Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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