Multi-State Gun Trafficker and Crips Gang Member Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison

Press Release

<_w3a_listitem listvalue="RALEIGH" datavalue="RALEIGH"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="GREENVILLE" datavalue="GREENVILLE"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="NEW BERN" datavalue="NEW BERN"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="WILMINGTON" datavalue="WILMINGTON"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="ELIZABETH CITY" datavalue="ELIZABETH CITY">NEW BERN, N.C. - Jakil Deandre Bond, 28, of Williamston, was sentenced to 141 months in prison for engaging in illegal firearm trafficking and drug distribution. Bond, a validated gang member, organized the purchase of firearms through co-defendants and straw purchasers Malik Jaree Bazemore and Ti'quiran Rodgers, who is also a validated gang member.

"We are targeting the violent gangs and reckless gunrunners fueling violence in our cities," said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. "This gun trafficker formed an iron pipeline of firepower from North Carolina to Washington, D.C., where shootings fueled further gang violence. Gun traffickers and straw purchasers are on notice - you are on the pathway to federal prison."

"Firearms trafficking and straw purchasing is a critical issue that puts too many firearms in the hands of prohibited individuals," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. "Our priority is fighting violent gun crime, and when we can find and stop the individuals responsible for illegal firearms purchases, we can better protect our communities and communities across the country."

"The Greenville Police Department works seamlessly with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that all crimes are fully investigated and prosecuted whether they occur solely in the city limits of Greenville or in instances such as this case where it extends far beyond our jurisdiction," stated Greenville Police Chief Ted Sauls.

According to court records and evidence presented in court, from 2019 to November 2021, Bond, Bazemore, Rodgers, and Barron Nathaniel Shaw conspired to traffic over 50 firearms from North Carolina to Washington, D.C., and other East Coast areas. Bazemore and Rodgers, both residents of North Carolina, purchased firearms from federally licensed dealers in North Carolina and then transferred the firearms to Bond, Shaw, and others. Bazemore and Rodgers falsely stated that they were purchasing the firearms for personal use on multiple firearm transaction records.

An investigation was launched by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in September 2019 after the D.C. Metro Police (MPD) recovered several firearms at crime scenes and shootings that were traced back to purchases made in North Carolina. Multiple firearms were found at crime scenes in Washington D.C., Maryland, and in North Carolina, as well as in the possession of validated gang members. The investigation revealed that Bond, a validated member of the Rollin 40's set of the Crips street gang, organized the purchase of firearms from Bazemore and Rodgers. He then introduced them to Shaw and other contacts in D.C. to expand their straw purchasing operation. Bond and Shaw reimbursed Bazemore and Rodgers for the purchase price of the firearms while compensating them for conducting the transactions.

On January 24, 2023, ATF agents went to Bond's apartment in Greenville, to serve him with a federal arrest warrant in connection with the gun trafficking conspiracy. As they knocked on the front door, Bond was observed exiting the rear of the residence and placing items on the back porch. Agents searched the apartment and recovered 731 grams of cocaine, 33 grams of cocaine base, 64 grams of fentanyl, three firearms, assorted ammunition, and other drug paraphernalia items.

Barron Shaw was sentenced to 48 months on September 8, 2023, for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.

Malik Bazemore was sentenced to 24 months on September 18, 2024, for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and knowingly making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer.

Ti'quiran Rodgers was sentenced to 24 months on November 7, 2024, for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and knowingly making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer.

Michael F. Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by <_w3a_listitem listvalue="Choose an item."><_w3a_listitem listvalue="U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle" datavalue="U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan" datavalue="U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III" datavalue="U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II" datavalue="Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="Senior U.S. District Judge W. Earl Britt" datavalue="Senior U.S. District Judge W. Earl Britt"><_w3a_listitem listvalue="Senior U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard" datavalue="Senior U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard">U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The ATF, the Greenville Police Department, the Windsor Police Department, the Pitt County Sheriff's Office, and the MPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Champaign prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-CR-00088-FL.

Updated November 8, 2024