Tyree Thomas, Gun Trafficking, Connecticut 2022

Gun Trafficking Ring Exposed: Tyree Thomas, a 39-year-old Bridgeport man, has admitted to smuggling guns from Georgia to Connecticut. According to court documents, Thomas traveled to Georgia multiple times between August 2021 and March 2022, using a straw purchaser to acquire at least 20 firearms.

Despite being prohibited from purchasing firearms due to his felony convictions, Thomas transported the guns to Connecticut, where he sold or transferred them to felons and others who were not licensed to possess them. Several of the firearms have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut, including two that were recovered in connection with homicides.

Thomas was arrested on September 6, 2023, and is currently released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing. His sentencing date has been scheduled.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Rahul Kale through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing gun violence and making neighborhoods safer.

As part of the PSN program, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy in May 2021, focusing on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

Tyree Thomas, 39, of Bridgeport, has pleaded guilty to crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

The mandatory facts in this case include:

Defendant/Respondent: Tyree Thomas

Criminal Charges: Crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms

City and State: Bridgeport, Connecticut

Exact Date: Between August 2021 and March 2022 (crime date), September 6, 2023 (arrest date)

Sentence or Outcome: Up to 10 years in prison, currently released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing

Dollar Amounts: $100,000 bond

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/bridgeport-man-admits-trafficking-guns-georgia-connecticut