ATF offers reward following the recovery of destructive devices in New Mexico

ATF seeks public help following incidents in northern New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M.— The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the placement and/or use of suspected destructive devices in the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico. The items recovered in these incidents are more commonly referred to as improvised explosive or incendiary devices.

Between April 2, and May 8, 2026, multiple suspected destructive devices were recovered near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station in Tres Piedras, New Mexico. On August 10, 2026, an additional device was turned in to the Canjilon Ranger Station in Canjilon, New Mexico by a concerned citizen who reported to have found it.

The U.S. Forest Service and local law enforcement initially responded to each incident and requested further assistance from the ATF Phoenix Field Division. As a result, ATF Certified Explosives Specialists and Certified Fire Investigators collected evidence from the scenes which are now undergoing forensic examination at the ATF Forensic Science Laboratory. ATF is now the leading investigating law enforcement agency and continues to work alongside our local and federal law enforcement partners.

ATF reminds the public never to handle suspicious objects. Improvised explosive and incendiary devices can be extremely unstable and cause severe injury or property damage. Anyone who finds a suspicious item should immediately leave the area and call local law enforcement.

Anyone with information about these incidents should contact ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov or through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

Pair Accused of Shooting at St. Louis Police, ATF

ST. LOUIS – Two men have been accused of shooting at St. Louis Metropolitan police officers and ATF agents last month.

Justin R. Price, 19, and Alexavier Bishop, 19, both of Florissant, were charged by complaint in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Thursday with aiding and abetting the assault of federal agents and aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Price appeared in court Friday. Bishop is in custody.

The officers and agents were conducting a traffic stop at Oriole and Thekla Avenues in St. Louis on July 28 when just after 9 p.m. a Ford Fusion stopped about one block away and someone fired 12 shots with an automatic weapon. Police pursued the Fusion, which was abandoned in the 1500 block of Sells Avenue. An affidavit filed in support of the complaint says that Bishop, Price and one other person were in the Fusion but escaped, the affidavit says.

About 90 minutes before the shooting, Price and Bishop were spotted pulling on the door handles of parked vehicles in the 1700 block of McLaran Avenue, about one mile away, and appeared to be armed, the affidavit says.

“It is a miracle that the police officers, ATF agents and bystanders were not wounded in this incident,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus. “You can be assured that we are treating this assault with the utmost seriousness. We are grateful for the hard work of investigators and the assistance of the public, and we hope that the public will continue to help us in this ongoing investigation.”

“The fact that no one was struck by the 12 rounds fired at St. Louis police officers and ATF agents that night was extraordinarily fortunate, but it does not diminish the seriousness of this alleged attack,” said ATF Kansas City Field Division Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen. “This case reflects the determined work of state, local and federal partners, along with community members who came forward to help. We are especially grateful for SLMPD’s investigative work and for the diligence of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in reviewing the evidence and securing these charges as the investigation continues.”

“An attack on law enforcement is an attack on the people working every day to keep our neighborhoods safe. These arrests demonstrate what is possible when local, state and federal law enforcement work together, supported by a community willing to come forward and help, with a shared commitment to accountability,” said St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert J. Tracy. “I am grateful to the many law enforcement partners involved in this investigation, along with our nationally recognized SLMPD Crime Laboratory, for working relentlessly to identify those allegedly responsible and move this case forward.”

Charges set forth in a criminal complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Alton Police Department and the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office were involved in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D’Agrosa is prosecuting the case.

Georgia Man Sentenced for Gun Charge from 2023 S.C. Trooper Shooting

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Derrick Gathers, 40, of Augusta, Georgia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm when he shot a patrolman. Eighty months of his 180-month sentence will be served consecutively to his current state sentence. 

According to statements made in court, on Aug. 16, 2023, Lance Corporal Frazier with the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) stopped Gathers for speeding on Highway 78 in Bamberg County. Gathers gave Trooper Frazier a license and vehicle registration, and Trooper Frazier took those items back to his patrol vehicle to run a routine records check. Trooper Frazier had concerns about the authenticity of the driver’s license, and when Trooper Frazier reapproached the driver’s side of the vehicle to investigate, Gathers pulled out a firearm, shot trooper Frazier in the face, and sped away. Trooper Frazier’s injuries were non-life threatening. A Bamberg County Sheriff’s Department (BCSD) deputy was providing support during the traffic stop, and both officers returned fire at Gather’s fleeing vehicle. Gather’s vehicle was located by law enforcement, including by members of the Bamberg Police Department, SCHP, and BCSD. During the chase, Gathers lost control of the vehicle and crashed in Branchville. Gathers was thereafter taken into custody.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found a pistol loaded with 9mm ammunition under the brake pedal. SLED confirmed that the pistol found on Gather’s floorboard matched the firearm used to shoot Trooper Frazier.

“This case highlights two realities: law enforcement put their lives at risk every day, and felons with guns pose a serious threat to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to support our law enforcement partners by federally prosecuting offenders that put law enforcement and the public’s lives at risk.”

“An attack on law enforcement is an attack on the entire community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Threats against our law enforcement cannot be tolerated, and ATF will apply every resource we have available to help protect our partners.”

Gathers has previous felony convictions for 3rd degree rape and 2nd degree criminal possession of a weapon out of New York, both of which prevent him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Gathers to 180 months in federal prison. Eighty months of his 180-month sentence will be served consecutively to his current state sentence. One hundred months of the federal sentence will be served concurrently to the state sentence.  He will also have a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bamberg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar Fyall prosecuted the case.

$5,000 Reward for information in Indianapolis Homicide

INDIANAPOLIS — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is announcing a $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting death of Eric Butler that occurred on Friday, June 19, 2026.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to the 200 block of South Franklin Road at approximately 2:25 a.m. to a report of a shooting victim. The victim, Eric Butler, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition where he later succumbed to his injuries.

ATF is assisting the IMPD with this investigation and is providing all available resources to bring the offender(s) to justice. ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information related to the identification of those responsible for this senseless act of violence.

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). Individuals may also email ATFTips@atf.gov, or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may be submitted to ATF using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

Former Jeffersonville Police Officer Sentenced to 15 Months for Making False Statements During Purchase of Firearms

NEW ALBANY - Todd Wilson, 52, of Charlestown, Indiana, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. 

According to court documents, Todd Wilson was a sworn police officer with the Jeffersonville Police Department (“JPD”), where he also served as the department’s evidence custodian. In that role, Wilson was entrusted with the careful receipt, storage, tracking, and release of evidence and property collected during investigations.

From 2020 to 2021, Wilson abused his position by lying during the purchases of nine firearms on eight separate occasions from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Under ATF regulations, law enforcement officers may purchase firearms without completing ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record), which is typically required for purchases from federal firearms licensees. To utilize this exemption, officers must submit a certification on agency letterhead, signed by an authorized official, affirming the firearm will be used for official police duties and that the officer has no convictions for misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. Firearms dealers are required to retain these certifications in their permanent records.

Wilson purchased firearms through this program by submitting certifications on JPD letterhead in which he forged the signatures of the authorized official. Contrary to his claims on the certifications, Wilson intended to use the firearms for personal use, not his official duties, or to transfer or resell the firearms to third parties.

Wilson gifted two Glock 48 9mm pistols and a Glock 43x 9mm pistol to two individuals and sold a fourth firearm to another individual for $400.  eTracing was conducted on the firearms, which showed only the JPD, not Wilson or any of the other owners.

“The power entrusted to police officers demands an unwavering commitment to truth. When that trust is broken through deliberate dishonesty, it undermines the very foundation of justice and the safety of our communities. This offense wasn’t a momentary lapse, but a grave betrayal by someone sworn to uphold the truth,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “ATF Forms serve the critical purpose of ensuring law enforcement can trace crime guns. We remain committed to working with our federal partners to hold accountable those who misuse their authority.”

“Lying to obtain a firearm is a serious crime, and wearing a badge does not place anyone above the law,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “This sentence underscores that when law enforcement officers choose to break the law and mislead the system, they will be held fully accountable. The officer’s own department initiated the investigation, reflecting its commitment to justice and the rule of law.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jeffersonville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.    

U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Wood, who prosecuted this case.

Modified Shotgun Linked to Alamogordo Police Officer Fatality

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Dominic Cruz De La O, 27, of Alamogordo, appeared in federal court on charges related to possessing an unregistered weapon made from a shotgun. The weapon, a modified 12-gauge shotgun with a barrel length of 16 inches and an overall length of 25.5 inches, was allegedly used in the shooting death of Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson during a traffic stop on July 15, 2023. De La O will remain in temporary custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Feb. 22, 2024.

On July 26, 2023, ATF agents received information implicating Jonah Apodaca, 32, of Alamogordo, in providing the modified shotgun to De La O. Apodaca appeared in federal court on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon on Feb. 12, 2024. Both De La O and Apodaca are facing serious charges, with De La O potentially facing up to 10 years in prison and Apodaca facing up to 15 years if convicted.

The investigation into this case involved cooperation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Alamogordo Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison.

It's important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Empowering Youth through G.R.E.A.T. Program Graduation

PHILADELPHIA — Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ Philadelphia Field Division proudly announced today the graduation of students from Tacony Charter Academy who have successfully completed the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program. This graduation marks a significant achievement in fostering essential life skills and positive relationships between law enforcement and local community youth.

The G.R.E.A.T. program, aimed at youth and community outreach, was initiated in 1991 as a proactive measure against violent crime. It employs community-oriented policing strategies and outreach initiatives to change perceptions about law enforcement, one student at a time.

In Philadelphia, G.R.E.A.T. program instructors have been dedicated to combating delinquency, youth violence, and gang affiliation.

DeGree stated, “For 31 years, ATF and local law enforcement partners have been serving as G.R.E.A.T. instructors. Witnessing the growth and success of our youth who participate in this program is immeasurably rewarding for all our instructors.”

Tacony Charter Academy guidance counselor Stephanie Katz expressed gratitude, saying, “Tacony Charter Academy appreciates Agent Baldwin's work with our students. Providing our students with additional learning opportunities concerning decision-making outside of school is extremely important. Equipping them with the tools they need to manage their emotions in different situations, as the G.R.E.A.T. program does, is invaluable. Thanks to ATF for the fantastic support.”

The G.R.E.A.T. curriculum encompasses violence prevention, conflict resolution techniques, decision-making skills, goal setting, and problem-solving. The elementary school curriculum spans six interactive weeks, targeting fourth and fifth graders, with a strong emphasis on family involvement. Students are educated on setting goals, resisting peer pressure, respecting differences, resolving conflicts, and understanding how gang involvement can negatively impact their lives. They also learn the significance of becoming responsible community members.

This training is an integral component of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that unites all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun-related incidents, making local neighborhoods safer for all residents. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy that reinforces PSN's core principles: building trust and legitimacy in local communities, supporting community-based organizations focused on preventing violence, establishing targeted and strategic enforcement priorities, and assessing outcomes.

For more information about the G.R.E.A.T. program, its mission, and its impact on communities, visit the G.R.E.A.T. Home website and review the G.R.E.A.T. fact sheet.

ATF Spreads Holiday Cheer: Collects Toys for Domestic Violence Victims

Ashland, Kentucky — In the spirit of giving and spreading holiday joy, the dedicated employees of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are working to make this Christmas season a little brighter for local youth facing challenging circumstances.

This year, ATF's Louisville Division, which encompasses Kentucky and West Virginia, took the initiative to purchase Christmas toys for Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky. Safe Harbor is an emergency shelter and advocacy center that offers free, confidential, and supportive services to domestic violence victims in Boyd, Greenup, Carter, Lawrence, and Elliott counties. Each year, Safe Harbor extends a helping hand to as many as 150 women and children in need.

"As we work with crime victims, we are especially aware of the harm domestic violence causes to families," remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division.

ATF's primary mission is to safeguard the public from violent crime, and it's important to note that approximately 20 percent of all violent crimes fall under the category of domestic violence. Shockingly, according to data from the 2021 National Crime Victim Survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, domestic violence abusers with access to firearms are five times more likely to cause harm to their partners.

"We want our communities to know ATF prioritizes violent crime, and we are committed to helping all victims and survivors," added Morrow.

The heartwarming contribution consisted of a variety of toys, including a brand-new basketball goal for the Ashland facility. The gifts were thoughtfully delivered to Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky on December 21st.

ATF, as the leading federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating violent crimes involving firearms, arson, and explosives, continues to uphold its commitment to fostering safer communities. To learn more about ATF and its various programs, you can visit their website at www.atf.gov.

In the true spirit of the season, ATF's thoughtful gesture demonstrates the power of compassion and community in making a positive impact on the lives of those in need, especially during the holiday season.

Three-Month Campaign Leads to 165 Firearms Seized and 29 Prosecutions for Gun, Drug, and Violent Crimes

SAN DIEGO – A three-month campaign aimed at reducing violent crime in San Diego County has yielded significant results, with law enforcement officials announcing the seizure of 165 firearms, including 82 "ghost guns," and the prosecution of 29 individuals.

The Privately Made Firearm Crime Reduction Project, which ran from February to May, targeted gun violence and the proliferation of ghost guns in San Diego. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the San Diego Police Department employed data analytics to identify areas experiencing a rise in gun violence and the recovery of crime guns. Utilizing an intelligence-led policing approach, they strategically allocated resources to have the greatest impact.

Throughout the 90-day initiative, law enforcement personnel conducted nearly 88 operations, employing undercover techniques, surveillance, social media monitoring, and the use of confidential informants and undercover agents. These efforts were dedicated to removing firearms from the hands of criminals and enhancing community safety. Undercover operations, search warrants, and arrest warrants were executed to primarily target individuals involved in the illegal possession, manufacture, and sale of firearms, particularly ghost guns without serial numbers or identifying marks.

During a recent news conference, authorities revealed the outcomes of the operation, showcasing 81 firearms seized, including machine guns, Glock Switches, short-barrel rifles, pistols, and silencers. Notably, a significant number of the seized weapons were fully automatic. Alongside the firearms, investigators also recovered approximately 66 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.4 kilograms of powder fentanyl, 4,300 fentanyl pills, and 2.25 kilograms of cocaine.

Currently, 22 defendants face federal charges, while an additional seven are facing state charges related to various gun and drug crimes. The federal charges include Dealing in Firearms without a License, Possession of a Machine Gun, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Assault of a Federal Agent, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Violent Crime, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Drug charges involve the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

The increase in ghost guns is a growing concern, with approximately 20,000 suspected ghost guns reported to the ATF as recovered in criminal investigations last year alone, marking a ten-fold increase since 2016. Due to the absence of serial numbers, tracing these weapons back to their purchasers is an arduous task for law enforcement.

At the local level, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has received a federal grant from the Department of Justice to enhance tracking of firearm-related crimes across the region. This effort includes monitoring firearm-involved crimes, tracking calls related to firearms, and conducting interviews with arrestees about their use of firearms and ghost guns.

According to SANDAG, the recovery of ghost guns by local law enforcement agencies in San Diego County has surged by 401 percent from 2019 to 2021. In the city of San Diego, approximately one-quarter of the firearms recovered at crime scenes and during investigations in 2021 were privately manufactured and lacked serial numbers.

Although preliminary numbers suggest a decrease in ghost gun seizures in 2022, the overall rate remains significantly higher than in previous years.

U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman emphasized the operation's success in enhancing public safety, stating, "Every illegal gun that is removed from criminal hands makes us safer, and for that reason, this operation was a tremendous success." Grossman expressed gratitude towards the prosecution team and commended the dedication and bravery of ATF agents and San Diego Police Department officers involved in the operation.

ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere highlighted the significance of the Privately Made Firearms Crime Reduction Project, emphasizing its focus on targeting violent individuals engaged in the unlawful manufacture and sale of powerful firearms without a license. He underscored the impact of the initiative, which led to the seizure of 165 firearms, including approximately half being privately made firearms and one-third being unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons such as machine guns, machine gun conversion devices, short-barreled rifles, and silencers.

San Diego Police Department Chief David Nisleit reaffirmed the department's commitment to combatting the proliferation of drugs and firearms in local communities. He praised the collaborative efforts and effectiveness of the operation in removing drugs, firearms, and criminals from the streets.

In 2021, the San Diego Police Department established the Ghost Gun Apprehension Team, one of the first units of its kind in the nation, to investigate unlawful ghost gun manufacturing and sales cases. The team assists patrol officers, detectives, and specialized units when encountering ghost guns during arrests or investigations.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan emphasized the continued commitment to working with state and federal partners to conduct targeted operations that enhance neighborhood safety. The operation not only resulted in the seizure of illegal guns but also prevented the distribution of dangerous drugs and potential fatal overdoses.

The operation highlighted several notable cases, including the illegal sale of ghost guns by an active-duty U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, the sale of fentanyl pills and guns by a convicted robber, and an assault on a federal agent during an undercover operation involving the purchase of a machine gun.

The defendants facing charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the charges and allegations contained in the indictment or complaint are merely accusations.

The successful campaign demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to addressing violent crime, reducing the presence of ghost guns, and enhancing community safety in San Diego County.

ATF and Firearms Industry Offer Reward in Augusta Firearms Theft

GEORGIA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from Cabela’s Outpost Store, a Federal Firearms Licensee located in Augusta, Ga.  ATF is offering a reward in an amount up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward up to $5,000.

This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.  ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

ATF and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the theft of firearms that occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 833 Cabela Drive, Augusta GA.  The fourteen unaccounted for firearms pose a potential danger to our communities and our quality of life.  We are soliciting the public’s assistance with any information that leads to those responsible.

"ATF takes this crime very seriously," said Special Agent in Charge Carl Walker. "ATF is committed to preventing firearms trafficking, which is a serious offense resulting in significant federal prison time for those responsible."

Unlawful Use of an Explosive Device Injures Multiple Victims ATF Offers up to $5,000 Reward for Information

SAN FRANCISCO – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric D. Harden and Manteca Police Chief Nick Obligacion, today announced that ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the unlawful use of an explosive device which injured multiple victims on July 3, in Manteca, Calif.

On July 3, unknown suspect(s) threw an explosive device, which appeared to be an M-80, over a fence and into the backyard of a residence in Manteca where several individuals were gathered.  Multiple victims were injured and sought medical attention.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Stockton Field Office is working in conjunction with the Manteca Police Department to identify the suspects in this heinous crime.  Any violation of state or federal law documented during the investigation will be referred to the United States Attorney’s Office or the San Joaquin County District Attorney.

 Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Stockton ATF Field Office, ATF Tips Hotline, or the Manteca Police Department at the numbers listed below:

ATF Stockton Field Office:  209-954-9433

ATF Tip Line:  1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477)

Manteca Police Department Tip Line:  209-456-8164