Four of five men involved in the theft of 150 firearms from stores around Central Florida were arrested Thursday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said.
Authorities said they arrested Richard Jernigan, 30; Robert Tilmon, 31; Raymond Williams, 28; and Jermeil Williams, 28; in connection with the burglaries.
The men, who were part of a group dubbed the Tildenville Burglary Crew, were involved in numerous armed burglaries during which they stole handguns, long guns and assault-style rifles and other valuables for at least two years, authorities said.
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Investigators said they're searching for Kentric Collier, 28, in connection to the case. They said he has a lengthy history of violent crime.
"The ATF and the FDLE did a tremendous job in stopping a dangerous gun burglary ring targeting firearms dealers. The charges against these individuals are alarming -- stealing guns to sell on our streets," Attorney General Pam Bondi said. "My Office of Statewide Prosecution will aggressively prosecute this case to ensure justice is done."
The ATF said officials began investigating burglaries of Federal Firearms Licensees gun stores around Central Florida in late 2016 and continued to do so throughout 2017.
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“ATF’s primary focus is protecting the public by reducing violent crime," Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary said. “ATF continues to aggressively pursue violent offenders and will continue to protect and serve communities with our law enforcement partners.”
Authorities said that distinguishing characteristics, such as the use of sledgehammers and pry bars to gain entry, aided in the investigation.
The men are believed to be involved in more than five burglaries of gun stores and pawn shops, agents said.
Police said a gun stolen from one of the pawn shops was used in the fatal shooting last year of Terron McCarty, 17, at the Lux Ultra Lounge on International Drive.
Investigators recovered 35 of the 156 stolen firearms, and most were seized from people involved in previous violent crimes, according to the ATF.
"This is more than just gun theft. This was an organized group that was targeting federal firearms licensees, stealing these guns and then going out and distributing them on the street," said Danny Banks, of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. "It wasn't uncommon that they go back into the neighborhoods ... and sell these guns on the street anywhere from $100 to $500 dollars. Any amount of money they can get is profit to them."
The men are also accused of numerous burglaries targeting cash, electronics, firearms stores, jewelry, safes and other valuable items in Orange, Polk and Seminole counties.
"They have been a pain for us for many, many years," Orlando Deputy Police Chief Robert Anzueto said. "We knew of them, but just couldn't get our hands around them, and finally, we did."
The men face separate charges, including grand theft of a firearm, grand theft and racketeering.
Cox Media Group
