New Jersey Man Convicted of Firearms Trafficking

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Hackensack, New Jersey man was convicted by a jury on federal firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Kadir Reeves, 40, was convicted of two counts of aiding and abetting the false statement in connection with the acquisition of firearms.

The jury heard testimony about how Reeves and another defendant conspired to have others purchase and transport guns to New Jersey where Reeves had street gang affiliations. One of the firearms transported was recovered following an incident where shots were fired at a high school football game in Jersey City, New Jersey.

"West Virginia is a source state for firearms that are used to commit crimes in other parts of the country," said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. "We'll continue to crack down on all those who unlawfully obtain guns here, especially when they're used to engage in violence."

Three other defendants, Curtis Neal, 46; Kareem Neal, 43; and Bukiye Hatten, 41; all of Morgantown, West Virginia are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to firearms charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda Wesley and Christie Utt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.