PHILADELPHIA – In a move aimed at curbing the city’s spiraling gun violence, a Philadelphia man was handed a 90-month prison sentence for his role in a gun trafficking operation that saw him peddle three semi-automatic handguns to unknown buyers.
Aaron Douglas, 31, of Philadelphia, PA, was found guilty of distributing three firearms and unlawfully possessing a fourth, which he was not permitted to have due to a previous conviction in 2015 for illegally possessing a firearm.
The 90-month sentence, handed down by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney, will be followed by three years of supervised release. Douglas’s actions are seen as a prime example of the pervasive problem of gun trafficking in the city, an issue that authorities are working tirelessly to combat.
“Every illegal gun taken off the street is a small victory in our fight against violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. “Aaron Douglas, and others who illicitly traffic firearms, have no regard for the damage they’re doing to our communities. My office and our partners will continue to target the illegal gun trade in our investigations and prosecutions, reducing gun violence and hopefully saving lives in the process.”
The case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and community organizations to foster trust, support community-based initiatives, and set enforcement priorities. The operation was conducted in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On January 12, 2023, Douglas began his illicit operation, selling three semi-automatic handguns – a 9mm Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE, a 9mm Beretta Model APX, and a 9mm Glock Model 47 – to unknown buyers over a three-month period. The FBI executed a search warrant at his North Philadelphia residence on April 10, 2023, and discovered the fourth firearm, a .45 caliber Glock Model 30 semi-automatic pistol, which he was not permitted to possess.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who chose to profit from the illegal gun trade. As U.S. Attorney Romero noted, every gun taken off the street is a small victory in the fight against violent crime. The work of law enforcement and the judiciary in tackling this issue will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the city’s communities.
“Today’s sentencing is one more step toward keeping illegally bought and resold weapons off the streets,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This case illustrates our enduring commitment to making our neighborhoods safer for the communities we serve.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Miller.
As the city continues to grapple with the issue of gun violence, this case serves as a much-needed reminder of the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and community organizations in preventing such crimes. The efforts of U.S. Attorney Romero and her team are a testament to the dedication of those working to keep the city’s streets safe.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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