TYREE THOMAS, Gun Trafficking, Connecticut 2024

Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Guns from Georgia to Connecticut

Bridgeport, Connecticut - In a disturbing case of gun trafficking, a Bridgeport man has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for bringing firearms from Georgia to Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Tyree Thomas, 39, of Bridgeport, used a family member as a straw purchaser to acquire approximately 24 firearms in Georgia between August and December 2021. He then transported the firearms to Connecticut where he sold or transferred them to others, including felons, gang members, and juveniles.

Thomas' criminal history includes felony convictions, making him prohibited from purchasing firearms. His actions led to the recovery of nine firearms in Connecticut, including three seized during traffic stops, one in the possession of a juvenile, and one used in a Bridgeport shooting incident that resulted in the death of one victim and injury to two others.

On September 6, 2023, Thomas was arrested. On June 17, 2024, he pleaded guilty to crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms.

Thomas was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. He is currently out on a $100,000 bond and is required to report to prison on January 7, 2025.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Rahul Kale through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing gun violence and other violent crime.

For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/PSN.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/bridgeport-man-sentenced-42-months-federal-prison-trafficking-guns-georgia-connecticut