SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – DeSean L. Franklin, 24, faced federal justice after being sentenced to a staggering 78 months without parole for his role in illegal firearm trafficking. The Springfield native admitted to conspiring with others to obtain firearms he was prohibited from owning.
Franklin’s conviction stems from his use of a straw purchaser to bypass the law. His criminal activities, which were tied to the notorious ‘ODB’ gang, have been linked to numerous violent offenses in the area. The ATF and local law enforcement agencies, including the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, played pivotal roles in Franklin’s downfall.
On November 25, 2024, Franklin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms. His prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. The case marks a significant victory under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce gun violence and violent crime across the nation.
Franklin’s sentence follows those of two co-defendants: Joseph M. Johnson, who received 5 years of probation, and Raimaiya L. Tyson, sentenced to 19 months in prison. All three men were caught at a gun show where Franklin was prohibited from purchasing due to pending felony charges.
The investigation revealed that Franklin possessed a Draco pistol, equipped with a high-capacity magazine, which he claimed to have purchased at the same gun show. His close association with the ‘ODB’ gang and his illegal possession of firearms highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating gun violence within organized criminal groups.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against firearm trafficking and its devastating impact on communities across the United States. Franklin’s sentence sends a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated, and efforts to make neighborhoods safer for all continue under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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