HOUSTON, Texas – In a shocking case of federal firearm trafficking, a 32-year-old Pearland resident is set to appear in federal court on charges of selling guns to convicted felons.
Khalid Abdullah Abdullaziz, the owner of Zeroed In Armory in Pearland, was taken into custody on April 29 after a federal investigation revealed that he allegedly sold multiple firearms to a felon on numerous occasions, including a .50 caliber rifle.
The investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, uncovered a pattern of prohibited sales that put the community at risk. Abdullaziz faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $10,000 maximum possible fine if convicted.
Abdullaziz is not the only one to face charges in this case. Four others were also taken into custody on related charges: Isaac Rodriguez, 25, Israel Chapa Jr., 24, Steve Baranowski, 23, and Ashley Giddens, 26. They are expected to appear in federal court later today.
The charges filed against Abdullaziz and the others are a stark reminder of the dangers of federal firearm trafficking. As the owner of a licensed firearms dealer, Abdullaziz had a responsibility to ensure that his sales were lawful and safe.
Abdullaziz is scheduled to make a virtual initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Nancy K. Johnson at 2 p.m. today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Stabe and Lisa M. Collins.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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