Khalid Abdullah Abdullaziz, Prohibited Firearm Sales, Texas 2024

A 32-year-old Pearland resident is set to appear in federal court for allegedly selling firearms to convicted felons. Khalid Abdullah Abdullaziz, the owner of Zeroed In Armory in Pearland, is expected to make a virtual initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Nancy K. Johnson at 2 p.m. today.

Authorities filed the criminal complaint on April 24, which was unsealed as he was taken into custody on April 29. The investigation revealed that Abdullaziz sold multiple firearms to a felon on numerous occasions, including a .50 caliber rifle.

Abdullaziz faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $10,000 maximum possible fine if convicted. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Stabe and Lisa M. Collins prosecuting the case.

Also taken into custody on related charges were Isaac Rodriguez, 25, Israel Chapa Jr., 24, and Steve Baranowski, 23, all of Houston; and Ashley Giddens, 26, of Humble. They are also expected to make appearances in federal court later today.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

The charges against Abdullaziz are a serious blow to the local community, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on firearm sales. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how this case will unfold.

As the trial approaches, the public will be watching closely to see how the case against Abdullaziz and his co-defendants will play out.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/federal-firearm-licensee-arrested-prohibited-sales