92-Month Sentence for Firearms Trafficking and Illegal Possession

Torell Brown Sentenced in Newark Federal Court for Conspiring to Traffic Firearms

Torell Brown, 49, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, was sentenced today to 92 months in prison for his involvement in firearms trafficking and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. The sentencing, carried out by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton, took place in Newark federal court.

Case Details and Criminal Activities

Brown, previously convicted of felonies, pleaded guilty to three counts in a superseding indictment. These counts included conspiracy to unlawly sell firearms, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and conspiracy to traffic firearms. From April to May 18, 2021, Brown conspired to sell firearms to at least one New Jersey resident, trafficking six firearms and a significant quantity of ammunition from South Carolina to New Jersey. Additionally, from March 2021 to May 18, 2021, he conspired to traffic firearms and ammunition into New Jersey for use in connection with at least one other felony offense.

Additional Sentence and Investigative Details

In addition to his prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Brown to three years of supervised release. The case was investigated under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and is part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Newark. This initiative aims to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations.

Collaborative Law Enforcement Effort

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the DEA under Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti, and local law enforcement including the Newark Police Department, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their significant contributions to the case.

The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Fasanello of the Cybercrime Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olta Bejleri of the Economic Crimes Unit. This sentence highlights the continued efforts to combat illegal firearms trafficking and uphold public safety within the community.