Five arrested in NC-to-DC gun-running scheme, 40+ firearms trafficked

Five people face federal charges for trafficking dozens of firearms from North Carolina to Washington D.C. ATF agents made four arrests in Maryland and one in Raleigh.

Five indicted in federal firearms trafficking operation from North Carolina to Washington D.C.

ATF agents arrested five individuals on 20 October 2026 following a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina returning a 13-count indictment alleging their involvement in a firearms trafficking scheme, justice.gov reports. Four were arrested in Maryland; a fifth was taken into custody in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to traffic firearms, firearms trafficking, and making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer. The announcement was made jointly by U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle of the Eastern District of North Carolina and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro of the District of Columbia.

Dozens of firearms moved across state lines

The Make DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force determined that co-conspirators supplied approximately 40 firearms to individuals across multiple states, including Washington D.C., New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and Saint Georges, Grenada. The scheme centred on the purchase of firearms in North Carolina and their subsequent transportation to the National Capital Region.

According to the indictment, defendants Harris and Agee allegedly coordinated the financing of the trafficking scheme through co-defendants Whitaker and Young. Two of the charged individuals — Arnise Lecresha Young and Antonique Whitaker — hold valid Special Police Officer licences in the District of Columbia.

Joint federal task force behind the arrests

The enforcement action was carried out in collaboration with the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, a federal body chaired by the Homeland Security Advisor. The task force was established to curb violent crime, address narcotics and firearms offences, enforce quality-of-life and transit rules, and support local and federal police agencies.

"Gun-running networks do not respect state lines, and neither does our determination to stop them," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "This joint effort shows how coordinated enforcement can protect both Washington D.C. communities and the communities where these schemes originate."

U.S. Attorney Boyle underscored the reach of the operation: "If you are making sham purchases to illegally run guns in Eastern North Carolina, we will find you and prosecute you."

ATF Director Rob Cekada stated that the agency would continue to pursue those who supply firearms to violent criminals and gang members. "State lines will not protect you," Cekada said.

Aaron Sawyer, Associate Director of Operations for the United States Marshals Service, said the task force's results were evident in the statistics. "Fewer crimes mean fewer victims and safer communities for everyone," Sawyer said. "With every arrest we make and every illegal firearm we seize, we are helping prevent future crimes."

Penalties and case status

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum of 15 years in federal prison on the conspiracy to traffic firearms and firearms trafficking charges, and up to 10 years for making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Sentences would be determined by a federal district court judge based on applicable sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being investigated by the ATF. Court documents are available through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina under Case No. 5:26-CR-218.

The indictment is an accusation only. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)