Philadelphia's fight against gun violence was delivered a blow as a local youth mentor, Kyle McLemore, was hit with a 10-year prison sentence for trafficking nearly 60 illegal firearms from South Carolina to his home streets. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania revealed that McLemore, a previous convict turned advocate, played a significant role in a gun trafficking conspiracy that sought to flood the Philly area with illicit weapons. According to the Justice Department, McLemore had previously served 21 years for a 1999 murder before delving into the gun trade upon release.
“Kyle McLemore sold dozens of guns from South Carolina on the streets of Philadelphia, while pretending to work to reduce gun violence on those same streets,” U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero stated, as per the Justice Department. His sentence accounts for not just the illegal arms dealings but also his history as a felon and his sham efforts under the guise of community service. McLemore was also working with the NoMo (New Options More Opportunities) Foundation, a program devoted to mitigating youth violence, during his involvement in the arms trafficking scheme, demonstrating a jarring contrast between his professed mission and his illicit activities.
The case is part of a broader initiative, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which unites law enforcement at all levels with the communities they serve to cut down on violent crime and gun violence. The renewed vigor of this program since May 26, 2021, emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration between communities and law enforcement, and as this case shows, holding those accountable who breach both the law and public trust. McLemore, together with his co-conspirators Terrance Darby, Ontavious Plumer, Cory Brookins, and three others, are now facing the consequences of their actions aimed at profiting from violent crime.
