Georgia Men Sentenced in Firearm Trafficking Case

Alvin Demar, 47, and Joshua Carter, 29, were sentenced to 15 years and 3 years in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a gun trafficking scheme that supplied firearms to various crime scenes across the U.S. and Canada. Demar, a convicted felon, orchestrated the purchase of handguns through straw buyers, including Carter, leading to guns being linked to numerous violent incidents in cities like Atlanta, Baltimore, and even Toronto. A notable example includes a Glock pistol purchased by Carter that was involved in three shootings in Atlanta, while another firearm was used by a felon to fire 17 rounds in Gainesville, Georgia. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the severe threat posed by firearm traffickers and the commitment to dismantling such operations. Meanwhile, Mark Villanueva, 38, of Oregon, received a 10-year sentence for negotiating a trade of methamphetamine for 17 firearms, further highlighting the intertwining issues of drug and gun trafficking. These cases underscore the critical need for federal law enforcement efforts to combat illicit firearm distribution.