BOSTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Massachusetts), published as received.
BOSTON – A Providence, R.I. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to firearms trafficking.
Chiweze Ihunwo, 24, previously of Randolph, Mass., pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Dec. 8, 2021. Ihunwo was indicted on Jan. 21, 2021.
In 2019 and 2020, Ihunwo traveled from Massachusetts to North Carolina for the purpose of acquiring firearms to be resold for profit. After acquiring these firearms, Ihunwo traveled back to Massachusetts and sold them to various individuals. At various times, Ihunwo advertised the firearms for sale via social media. In addition, Ihunwo made arrangements to sell firearms to a person who soon thereafter was arrested in connection with a June 23, 2020 shooting incident on I-95 in Providence.
During a search of a residence in Providence where Ihunwo had been staying, an AK-style pistol and various rounds of ammunition were recovered.
The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Randolph Police Department, the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Duane of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
