BRIDGEPORT, CT – A 36-year-old Bridgeport man is facing serious federal charges after allegedly running guns from Georgia to Connecticut, authorities announced Tuesday. Tyree Thomas is accused of illegally acquiring firearms in Georgia and then transporting them north for resale on the streets of Connecticut, a scheme that law enforcement says contributed to the rising tide of gun violence in the region.
According to a federal indictment unsealed today, Thomas traveled to Georgia between August 2021 and March 2022 specifically to purchase firearms. He then allegedly smuggled those weapons back to Connecticut, selling them to individuals without proper background checks or adherence to state and federal gun laws. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has linked several of the firearms Thomas acquired to criminal activity within Connecticut, including one weapon recovered at the scene of a homicide.
The indictment details that Thomas was already a prohibited person, having previously been convicted of felony drug and failure to appear offenses in Connecticut state court. Federal law strictly prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition that have crossed state lines. This adds another layer of severity to the charges against him. He was arrested in Florida on September 6 and pleaded not guilty during his appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery cautioned that the indictment represents allegations, not proof of guilt. “An indictment is not evidence of guilt,” she stressed. “Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” However, if convicted, Thomas faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms, and another 10 years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The investigation was a joint effort between the ATF’s Boston Field Division and the Bridgeport Police Department. Chief Roderick Porter lauded the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of federal and local agencies working together to combat illegal gun trafficking. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Rahul Kale are prosecuting the case. The prosecution will be relying on evidence gathered during the months-long investigation, including travel records, purchase receipts, and potentially testimony from individuals who allegedly acquired firearms from Thomas.
This case is being highlighted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative focused on reducing violent crime. PSN brings together law enforcement, community organizations, and other stakeholders to identify and address the root causes of violence. Officials say the program targets the most dangerous offenders and supports comprehensive strategies for preventing future crime. Thomas remains detained as the case moves forward, and a trial date has not yet been set.
Related Federal Cases
- Brannon Winston, Gun Trafficking, Bridgeport CT, 2024 · Connecticut
- Brannon Winston, Gun Trafficking, Bridgeport CT, 2023 · Connecticut
- Tyree Thomas, Gun Trafficking, Connecticut 2023 · Connecticut
- Bridgeport Gun Trafficker Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison · Connecticut
- Angel Manuel Fontanez, Heroin Trafficking, FL 2016 · Florida
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons