Authorities have arrested 12 people in a sweep targeting illegal gun transfers in Allegheny County.
“These defendants all engaged in straw purchasing or other illegal transfers of firearms,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said, announcing the charges Thursday. “Guns obtained in this way so often end up at violent crime scenes and in the hands of people who are prohibited from legal possession. I commend all of the partners for meticulous investigations — that are still ongoing — to trace these firearms and identify people involved in their illegal distribution.”
Of the defendants, 19-year-old Kyree McCray is also charged with having child pornography.
McCray and his close acquaintance, 21-year-old Robert Crowley, were arrested last month in the 300 block of Albert Street, the attorney general’s office says. Investigators recovered several handguns, magazines, ammunition and accessories, including a muzzle break and speed loader.
McCray and Crowley were denied bail at recent arraignments, where the judge reportedly called them a “danger to the community.”
Also arrested was Makai Kenny, 24, who’s accused of illegally transferring at least six guns he bought, which police recovered at the crime scene or from other people.
Officials say Kenny was identified as a straw purchaser after a shooting on Constance Street in Pittsburgh.
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These people are also charged with illegal possession or transfer of firearms, conspiracy or related offenses:
- Davar Reid, 22, of Turtle Creek
- Sharon Gore, 42, (Reid’s mother-in-law), Turtle Creek
- Carley Chedwick, 25, West Mifflin
- Aaron B. Ridgely, 28, Homestead
- Shelly Bonacci, 39, Duquesne
- Shawn M. Mason, 32, Penn Hills
- Joni Atkinson, 32, Pittsburgh
- Lavandra Carpenter, 29, Pittsburgh
- Ethan Drolz, 23, Verona
Investigators continue to trace and recover guns that were transferred, which may lead to more charges.
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