Four New Jersey Men Charged in ‘Ghost Gun’ Trafficking Ring

NEWARK, N.J. – Four men are facing federal charges after authorities busted a network manufacturing and selling untraceable “ghost guns” across Passaic and Hudson counties. The operation, which ran from December 2022 through January 2023, involved the illegal assembly and sale of privately made firearms (PMFs) – guns without serial numbers, making them difficult to trace.

Savion Clyburn, 20, of Paterson, New Jersey; Corey Jenkins Jr., 30, also of Paterson; Richard Mullane, 26, of Bayonne, New Jersey; and Julian Santiago, 26, of Jersey City, New Jersey, are all charged with conspiracy to engage in unlicensed firearms dealing and manufacturing, and engaging in unlicensed firearms dealing and manufacturing. Santiago also faces an additional charge of transferring a firearm to a felon. All four defendants were scheduled to appear in Newark federal court today.

According to court documents, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) launched an investigation in December, working with state and local law enforcement. The probe revealed a consistent pattern of illegal gun sales. Undercover officers conducted at least nine controlled purchases, recovering a total of 12 firearms, including 11 PMFs and one serialized Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Rifle. The purchases unfolded as follows: Weeks of Dec. 18, 2022 – Clyburn and Jenkins sold two PMFs. Dec. 28, 2022 – Santiago sold one PMF. Jan. 3, 2023 – Santiago and Jenkins sold one PMF. Jan. 5, 2023 – Clyburn and Jenkins sold one PMF. Jan. 7, 2023 – Santiago, Jenkins, and Mullane sold one PMF. Jan. 9, 2023 – Clyburn, Jenkins, and Mullane sold two PMFs. Jan. 17, 2023 – Clyburn and Jenkins sold two PMFs, and Clyburn sold one Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Rifle (Serial No. EGN69). Jan. 25, 2023 – Jenkins and Mullane sold one PMF.

The investigation revealed the PMFs weren’t just being assembled, they were being customized – with different colors and designs. Disturbingly, two of the recovered firearms were threaded to accept silencers, raising concerns about their potential use in more serious crimes. This isn’t just about illegal gun sales; it’s about firearms ending up in the wrong hands, potentially escalating violence.

If convicted, Clyburn, Jenkins, and Mullane each face a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of up to $250,000 on each of the two counts they are charged with. Santiago faces a stiffer penalty – a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the charge of transferring a firearm to a felon. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger praised the ATF, along with a long list of local and state agencies – including the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Paterson Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service – for their collaborative efforts in bringing these charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine is handling the prosecution. The charges and allegations are just that – allegations – and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, this case highlights the growing threat of “ghost guns” and the determination of federal and local authorities to crack down on those who profit from their illegal manufacture and sale. The ease with which these firearms can be assembled and the lack of traceability pose a significant challenge to public safety.

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