Five Indicted in Georgia-to-Chicago Gun Trafficking Ring Linked to Gang Violence and Murder

ATHENS, Ga. — Federal prosecutors have unsealed a 23-count indictment charging five individuals accused of operating a firearms trafficking ring that allegedly transported dozens of guns from Georgia to Chicago, where investigators say some were used in gang-related shootings, including a murder.

U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes announced the charges Wednesday, describing the case as the result of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The indictment, filed April 15 and unsealed June 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, charges:

• Anthony Edmond, also known as “Chapo” and “Chapo Barksdale,” of Athens.
• Rafael Enriquez, also known as “Ritchie Rich” and “Ralph,” of Chicago.
• Elijah Lucena, also known as “Eli” and “GMT Eli,” of Chicago.
• Keontice Reed, also known as “Manman” and “GMT Manman,” of Chicago.
• Melvin Griffin, also known as “Memo600,” of Snellville and Chicago.

According to the indictment, Edmond allegedly served as the primary Georgia-based purchaser of firearms for members and associates of Chicago street gangs, including the Black Disciples and Conservative Vice Lords.

Prosecutors allege that between March 2020 and November 2021, Edmond illegally purchased dozens of firearms from Georgia gun stores through straw purchases. Investigators say he falsely certified on ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual buyer of the firearms when they were allegedly intended for others.

Authorities allege Edmond made multiple trips from Georgia to Illinois to deliver the firearms to gang members, including Reed and Griffin. Investigators also allege Enriquez and Lucena traveled from Illinois to Georgia to retrieve firearms purchased on their behalf.

The indictment claims the conspirators used coded language during phone calls and social media conversations, referring to firearms as “pipes,” “straps,” “blicks,” and “licks.” Machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as Glock switches, were allegedly referred to as “Nintendos.”

Investigators also allege Edmond received machine gun conversion devices from Enriquez, installed them on Glock pistols, purchased extended and drum magazines, and test-fired fully automatic firearms in the Athens area before transporting them to Illinois.

Authorities say police recovered 20 firearms allegedly purchased by Edmond between April 2021 and February 2026 in Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia.

One firearm highlighted in the indictment was a Glock pistol allegedly purchased by Edmond from an Athens gun store on May 15, 2021. Prosecutors say the weapon was recovered by Chicago police after forensic testing linked it to three separate violent crimes, including a June 20, 2021, murder, the shooting of a rival gang member aboard a Chicago Transit Authority bus, and another shooting that damaged three vehicles.

Edmond faces numerous charges, including conspiracy to commit firearms offenses, conspiracy involving machine guns, multiple counts of making false statements during firearm purchases, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of a machine gun, drug trafficking conspiracy, firearms offenses in furtherance of drug trafficking, conspiracy to traffic stolen vehicles, and interstate firearms trafficking. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Enriquez also faces a potential life sentence on conspiracy, firearms, drug trafficking, and related charges.

Lucena faces up to 10 years in prison on firearms conspiracy and possession charges.

Reed faces up to 20 years in prison on conspiracy and firearms-related charges.

Griffin faces up to life in prison on firearms and drug conspiracy charges.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF with assistance from the Chicago Police Department, FBI Atlanta, Rockford Police Department, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and several other state and local law enforcement agencies.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison.