Four members of a gun trafficking organization based in Paterson, New Jersey, were sentenced on May 6 for their roles in transporting more than 120 firearms from South Carolina into the state for illegal sale. The announcement was made by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to prevent weapons from being brought into New Jersey from other states. “New Jersey is fortunate to have some of the toughest gun safety laws in the country, but we must be vigilant about preventing weapons from being trafficked here from other states,” said Attorney General Davenport. “We are always working to stop gun trafficking.”
Travis Thomas, identified as the ringleader and originally from Paterson but residing in Lamar, South Carolina, received a sentence of ten years in state prison with mandatory parole restrictions after pleading guilty to first-degree racketeering. Director Theresa L. Hilton of the Division of Criminal Justice said, “The leader of this enterprise was able to buy guns cheaply and easily from South Carolina and then deliver them to Paterson, where he had ties to the community. He may have thought flooding New Jersey with weapons was an easy way to make money, but putting New Jersey residents at risk with these dangerous weapons has serious consequences.” Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, added: “The sentencing of these individuals — including the alleged ringleader — to prison for trafficking firearms into New Jersey sends a powerful and unmistakable message: those who fuel violence and profit from putting lives at risk will be met with decisive consequences. Illegal guns have no place in our neighborhoods, and every firearm taken out of the wrong hands is a critical step in preventing tragedy. This case reinforces our firm commitment to protecting lives and preserving the safety and stability of the communities we serve.”
Three codefendants also received sentences: Yaquin Perry was sentenced to seven years; Tyquan Evans received five years; both faced parole restrictions related to second-degree firearm transport charges; Marquetta Wilson received non-custodial probation for third-degree conspiracy involving an assault firearm.
According to evidence presented during court proceedings and filed documents, Thomas directed individuals in South Carolina—his suppliers—to obtain firearms through street purchases before transporting them north for resale at higher prices via middlemen connected within Paterson communities.
The investigation led by Detective Sergeant Tyler Zarecki and Captain Erik Hoffman involved cooperation between several agencies including federal authorities such as ATF offices in both states as well as local police departments across multiple jurisdictions.
This case reflects broader public safety responsibilities handled by statewide agencies like the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, which holds authority over law enforcement matters throughout all counties while offering services such as legal representation for state interests, crime lab support functions, victim advocacy programs, consumer protection initiatives—and works under statutory mandates that include enforcing laws affecting public safety.
