In a major step to curb the flow of illegal firearms, Jarez Roberts, a convicted felon with gang affiliations, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for dealing drugs and trafficking guns from Arizona to San Diego, reports the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The investigation leading to Roberts' conviction began when San Diego law enforcement, aided by ATF agents, traced a handgun found in a College Grove Area dumpster back to Randall's Sporting Goods in Glendale, Arizona; it had been purchased just days before its recovery. According to his plea agreement, Roberts orchestrated the purchase of multiple firearms through Lillian Shingleton, who admitted her role as his supplier after her arrest in Arizona and removal to face federal charges in San Diego. The plea agreement revealed she was fully aware Roberts could not lawfully buy guns and was compensated for each weapon she obtained for him.
Linking to the broader context of illegal arms trafficking, these cases underscore recent federal efforts to dismantle the dangerous networks funneled weapons across state lines, with another individual, Jacob Gall-Carrizosa, pleading guilty to unlawfully buying eleven firearms in Arizona and smuggling them into San Diego as well. "Trafficking firearms across state lines creates a dangerous pipeline for illegal weapons," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath, emphasizing the gravity of such crimes.
In a concerted initiative to combat gun violence, the U.S. Attorney's Office has ramped up prosecutions significantly, with a notable 40 percent increase in 2024 compared to the last year. Targeting ghost guns has become a particular focus due to their untraceability, resulting in more than 30 related cases since the year's start. ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere outlined the ATF's firearms trafficking strategy, which includes inspecting licensed gun dealers and targeting straw purchasers, as well as a greater intelligence-driven emphasis on identifying and targeting the organizers of these trafficking operations.
These cases are part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, designed to foster trust and legitimacy within communities, work with organizations to prevent violence, establish targeted enforcement priorities, and measure the success of these interventions in an ongoing struggle to make our neighborhoods safer. More information about the program can be found at the Department of Justice's official website.
